BBMP’s Underground Tunnel Project Gains Momentum with Financial Interest

The BBMP’s ambitious underground vehicular tunnel project connecting Hebbal Esteem Mall Junction to Silk Board Junction has received a major boost, with nine Indian banks showing interest in funding. The project, under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Toll model, aims to decongest Bengaluru’s North-South traffic corridor.

The tunnel will feature three-lane twin tunnels and intermediate access ramps at Mekhri Circle, Racecourse, and Lalbagh, reducing travel time from 90 to just 20 minutes. The state government, providing 40% viability-gap funding (VAF), has committed to act as guarantor for a ₹19,000-crore loan.

A recent BBMP corrigendum extended the funding bid submission deadline to January 8, 2025, offering banks additional time to submit proposals. BBMP Engineer-in-Chief B.S. Prahlad expressed optimism about the banks’ interest while emphasizing competitive loan rates. Institutions like Indian Bank, State Bank of India, and Punjab National Bank are among the interested parties.

Critics, however, voice concerns about the project’s potential impact on public transport. An IISc study led by Prof. Ashish Verma suggests tunnel roads may prompt a shift from public to private transport. Despite the criticism, the project promises to significantly ease travel for commuters willing to pay the proposed toll of ₹288 for the 18-km route.

This landmark project underscores Bengaluru’s evolving infrastructure ambitions while sparking debate on balancing urban mobility and sustainability.

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