Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister-designate D K Shivakumar is set to face a significant political and administrative test as one of his first major decisions in office concerns the proposed Bengaluru tunnel road project, for which the Adani Group has emerged as the lowest bidder.
The ambitious 17-km underground corridor, estimated to cost ₹17,698 crore under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, has long been one of Shivakumar’s flagship infrastructure initiatives aimed at addressing Bengaluru’s chronic traffic congestion. However, the involvement of the Adani Group has added a political dimension to the project, given the Congress party’s repeated criticism of industrialist Gautam Adani and his business conglomerate at the national level.
Adani emerges as lowest bidder
Adani Enterprises has reportedly secured the lowest bid for the tunnel road project. However, the bid is said to be higher than the state government’s initial cost estimates and will require approval from the Karnataka Cabinet before the project can proceed.
The proposal is currently awaiting preliminary clearance from the incoming Chief Minister. The decision is expected to attract considerable attention as it could influence both the future of the project and the political narrative surrounding it.
The tunnel road has been promoted as a transformative infrastructure solution designed to improve traffic flow in Bengaluru by creating a high-capacity underground corridor connecting key parts of the city.
Political dilemma for Congress
The development places Shivakumar in a delicate position. Approving the Adani Group’s bid could invite criticism from political opponents who may question the Congress party’s continued attacks on the business group at the national level.
For several years, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has frequently targeted the Adani Group while accusing the BJP-led Central Government of favouring select corporate entities. The Adani issue has remained a prominent part of the Congress party’s national political campaign.
However, observers note that Congress-ruled states have continued to engage with Adani Group projects despite the party’s criticism at the national level. This has led to discussions about the distinction between political rhetoric and governance decisions.
Congress states continue Adani projects
Political analysts point out that Congress-led governments in several states have worked with the Adani Group on infrastructure and investment projects.
In Telangana, the government led by A Revanth Reddy has entered into investment agreements involving the Adani Group. Similarly, the Vizhinjam Port project in Kerala, operated by the Adani Group, has continued to receive support and expansion under successive governments.
These examples suggest that economic and infrastructure considerations often take precedence over political disagreements when state governments evaluate investment proposals.
As a result, there appears to be little expectation that the Congress leadership would oppose a decision solely because the successful bidder is the Adani Group, particularly if the tender process has been conducted competitively.
Opposition questions tunnel project
While the focus has largely been on the Adani Group’s involvement, the Bengaluru tunnel road project itself has faced opposition from political leaders and environmental activists.
R Ashoka has criticised the proposal, arguing that it would primarily benefit affluent commuters and describing it as a “VIP lane”. He has urged the government to prioritise the expansion of Bengaluru’s metro rail network instead.
Similarly, Tejasvi Surya has questioned the financial viability of the project and described it as infrastructure that primarily serves a limited section of society.
Opposition leaders have also alleged that the project could affect public spaces and parks if land acquisition becomes necessary.
Environmental concerns raised
Environmental experts have expressed concerns about the possible impact of large-scale tunnelling beneath Bengaluru.
They argue that the city’s geological structure, characterised by hard rock formations, natural valleys and interconnected water systems, could be vulnerable to extensive underground construction.
Experts have warned that major tunnelling activities could potentially affect groundwater reserves, alter natural drainage patterns and increase flood risks if not carefully planned and executed.
Supporters of the project, however, maintain that modern engineering techniques and detailed environmental assessments can mitigate such risks while providing long-term traffic relief.
Key decision awaits new Chief Minister
With Shivakumar preparing to assume office as Karnataka’s Chief Minister, the tunnel road proposal is emerging as one of the first major governance decisions of his tenure.
Approving the bid could accelerate a project closely associated with his vision for Bengaluru’s infrastructure development but may also provide political ammunition to opponents questioning the Congress party’s stance on the Adani Group.
Conversely, rejecting the bid could delay a major infrastructure initiative and raise questions about investor confidence and policy consistency.
As the project moves towards the approval stage, the decision is likely to be viewed not only as an infrastructure choice but also as a test of how the new Chief Minister balances political messaging, economic development and governance priorities.