Bengaluru: Citizen groups, environmental activists, and lake conservation collectives have intensified their opposition to the proposed 17-km Tunnel Road Project (TRP) connecting Hebbal and Central Silk Board, voicing strong concerns over its environmental and urban impact. The controversy has deepened after a revised project design introduced a new exit ramp near Sankey Tank, a move that residents and environmentalists fear could lead to large-scale tree felling, ecological damage, and increased congestion in an already sensitive neighbourhood.
Public opposition gains momentum
Two major online petitions — “Cancel Bengaluru’s Tunnel Road Project & Focus on All Other Options” and “Save Sankey Tank: Stop the Tunnel Road Project Now” — have together drawn nearly 8,000 signatures across multiple online platforms.
Rajkumar Dugar, founder of Citizens to Citizens, who launched the petitions, said the campaign aims to spread awareness rather than seek government intervention.
“We will not be submitting these signatures to the government as public opinion is rarely considered. The goal is to inform people about what this tunnel road could mean for Bengaluru’s environment and liveability,” Dugar explained.
Environmental and geological concerns
The ₹17,000-crore twin-tube tunnel aims to decongest traffic between the city’s northern and southern corridors. However, experts have criticised the project for lacking hydrological and geological assessments.
“Bengaluru sits atop a delicate lake network. Tunnelling through fragile groundwater zones could trigger severe ecological imbalances,” said a member of the Citizens for Sankey collective. “An exit ramp near Sankey Tank risks compromising the lake’s water table and structural integrity.”
Environmentalists argue that the project violates environmental norms by proposing entry and exit ramps near waterbodies. “Tunnelling can disturb groundwater aquifers, and there is no clarity on how debris will be managed,” said environmentalist Dattatraya Devare. “With Metro, suburban rail, and BMTC expansions already underway, such a project is not only unnecessary but dangerous.”
Traffic and urban planning issues
Critics also contend that the tunnel project fails to address the root causes of congestion and could instead worsen traffic. Dugar pointed out that areas near Chowdaiah Road and Malleswaram 18th Cross are already gridlocked during peak hours.
“Hundreds of vehicles emerging from the tunnel will choke the roads further. Moving traffic underground doesn’t solve congestion; it merely shifts it elsewhere,” he said.
The revised alignment removes ramps at Mehkri Circle but introduces a new one near Sankey Tank, potentially worsening traffic flow through Malleswaram and Sadashivanagar.
Urban planners have raised concerns that the TRP would primarily benefit private vehicle owners, diverting massive public funds away from sustainable transport systems like suburban rail, bus rapid transit, and cycling networks.
Citizens demand transparency
Activists have demanded the public release of detailed project reports, environmental impact assessments, and feasibility studies before any construction work begins. “This is not urban planning — it’s urban destruction,” reads one of the petitions hosted on the Jhatkaa platform.
Residents are now planning more awareness drives, community consultations, and social media campaigns to pressure civic authorities into rethinking the tunnel road plan.