With work on the Hebbal–Silk Board tunnel road underway, the Karnataka government has unveiled another underground road project — a 2.2-km-long six-lane tunnel on Ballari Road, connecting Hebbal Junction to the Veterinary College using the cut-and-cover method.
The tunnel will begin near the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda statue at Hebbal Tree Park, pass beneath the Outer Ring Road (Tumakuru Road stretch), and emerge at the Veterinary College Grounds, eventually merging with Ballari Road’s main carriageway near Hebbal Lake. This project will enable direct airport access from Mehkri Circle, bypassing the Hebbal flyover altogether.
An access ramp near the Veterinary College will serve airport-bound traffic, while traffic from Mehkri Circle can enter near the Kempegowda statue. The Ballari Road stretch near the Veterinary College will also be widened for seamless integration with the tunnel.
BS Prahalad, director (technical), BSMILE, said the route was designed to avoid land acquisition, utilizing open spaces within the Veterinary College campus, which will be restored post-construction.
The cut-and-cover method involves excavating a surface trench, constructing the tunnel within, and backfilling the trench after completion. No tunnel boring machines will be used.
Officials stated the project aims to ease traffic congestion on Ballari Road and the Hebbal flyover and benefit residents in Ganganagar, RT Nagar, Sanjaynagar, and nearby localities. The plan will soon be placed before the state cabinet for approval.