Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday unveiled a new proposal for a 1.5-km underground road at Hebbal, distinct from the previously announced, longer tunnel corridor. The new initiative targets alleviating severe traffic congestion at Hebbal junction.
Speaking during his inspection of the newly completed loop on the Hebbal flyover, Shivakumar said the loop facilitating movement from Nagawara into the city will open to the public before August 15, depending on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s schedule. Another flyover segment, connecting the airport service road to the city loop, will be opened later.
In addition to this, the Deputy CM confirmed the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) will independently oversee the longer tunnel road project, which will connect Nagawara, Esteem Mall, and the Agricultural University.
Simultaneously, Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B.SMILE) is progressing on a 16.75-km elevated corridor that stretches from Hebbal to Central Silk Board, a project Shivakumar referred to as the city’s long-term tunnel solution.
However, urban mobility experts have expressed skepticism. They caution that continuous reliance on flyovers and underground roads may offer only short-term relief. Instead, they urge the state to focus on expanding suburban rail and metro infrastructure to provide more effective and sustainable traffic solutions for Bengaluru’s growing population.