The Karnataka government on Thursday gave administrative clearance for a short tunnel-elevated corridor between Hebbal Junction and Mehkri Circle in order to alleviate chronic traffic congestion along Bengaluru’s Ballari Road. With an estimated cost of Rs 2,215 crore, the project would provide North Bengaluru with a vital transport enhancement, especially for commuters heading to the airport.
The 16.75 km Hebbal-Silk Board twin tunnel project is unrelated to the intended line. Following the abandonment of the previously planned steel flyover to reduce traffic on the same section due to popular resistance, the Cabinet’s decision represents a renewed emphasis on subterranean infrastructure.
What is the point of another tunnel?
The Bengaluru Traffic Police suggested the proposal. They expressed worries about the lengthy twin-tunnel plan’s exclusion of autorickshaws and two-wheelers, which would result in ongoing traffic in crowded areas like:
Ganganagar
Nagar Sanjay
RT Nagar
The revised alignment offers a more inclusive transportation option since it supports all vehicle classifications.
Minimal land acquisition
The fact that the majority of the corridor’s course is on government-owned property is one of its main benefits. This lessens the cost of acquiring land. According to Indian Express, the Cabinet was briefed that purchase prices will be limited to Rs 25 crore in order to prevent typical delays in urban infrastructure projects.
Due to property restrictions and legal issues, including the unfinished bridge expansion between Esteem Mall and Hebbal, enlarging the current highways along this corridor has become almost impossible, according to a Cabinet note. According to the article, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar instructed authorities to seek a long-term structural solution during a site assessment in May 2025.
A component of a more comprehensive mobility plan
According to a feasibility assessment provided to the government by a private consultant, linking the city center to newly developed suburban belts via elevated roads and a tunnel would significantly reduce traffic.
In order to ease access for northern commuters, traffic officials have proposed extending the recently authorized corridor from Hebbal to GKVK Veterinary College, while the state is pushing the 17-km north-south tunnel as a showpiece project.
