The Karnataka Cabinet has officially approved Bengaluru’s first tunnel road project, a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at alleviating the city’s notorious traffic congestion. Estimated at Rs 12,690 crore, this ambitious project was greenlit during a cabinet meeting held on Thursday.
The tunnel road project, which has been in the planning stages for some time, is seen as a critical solution to Bengaluru’s traffic woes. The first phase will involve constructing a twin-tube, 18 km corridor stretching from the Hebbal Flyover to the Central Silk Board Junction. This corridor will include five strategically placed entry and exit points, enhancing connectivity across key areas of the city.
During a press briefing following the cabinet meeting, HK Patil, Karnataka’s Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, confirmed that administrative approval for the project had been granted. “Tenders for the tunnel road project will be called for soon,” Patil said, according to reports from the Times of India.
The project is designed as a joint venture between the state government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allocate Rs 30,000 crore for the project, underscoring its importance in connecting National Highway 7 (NH7) with National Highway 14 (NH14). “This project is crucial for easing Bengaluru’s traffic burden. We urge the union government to allocate the requisite funds for both the state and NHAI,” Siddaramaiah stated.
The government intends to execute the project through a public-private partnership (PPP). However, the development will require land acquisition, including sections of the Turf Club, Golf Course, and Bangalore Palace premises.
250-Metre Tall Sky Deck Project
In addition to the tunnel road project, the Karnataka Cabinet has also approved the construction of a 250-metre tall sky deck, expected to cost Rs 500 crore. This sky deck, designed to offer panoramic views of Bengaluru, is anticipated to become a major tourist attraction.
Speaking about the sky deck project, HK Patil mentioned, “The project site is yet to be identified, but it is set to be a significant attraction for visitors to Bengaluru.” According to other government sources, a few potential locations have been shortlisted, with a site near NICE Road emerging as a strong candidate.
The tunnel road and sky deck projects represent significant strides in Bengaluru’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents. As the city continues to expand, such developments are expected to play a key role in addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation.