A month after releasing a critical review of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) tunnel road feasibility study, the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) has softened its stance, clarifying that its remarks should not be read as the official opinion of the Bangalore Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA).
In July 2024, the BBMP submitted its feasibility report to DULT for evaluation. Following four months of review, DULT issued a report in November, flagging serious gaps in the project. It stated that the tunnel road did not align with Bengaluru’s long-term mobility plans, and pointed out missing geological and environmental assessments.
However, in December, DULT sent another communication to the BBMP, distancing itself from its earlier observations by stressing that the BMLTA had not yet been formally constituted. It suggested the civic body consider the directions of the Urban Development Department (UDD) and the state government instead.
This abrupt shift has raised concerns among mobility experts, who argue that the agency may have faced political pressure to dilute its position. “DULT has essentially abdicated its regulatory responsibility. The BBMP quickly seized the opportunity, securing government approval based on an ad-hoc committee’s recommendation,” said independent transport analyst Satya Arikutharam.
The tunnel road project has been mired in controversy for years, with critics warning it prioritises cars over sustainable mobility, while supporters argue it could ease congestion. DULT’s backtracking has only deepened doubts about the project’s credibility and transparency.