Smooth sailing for Bengaluru: DK Shivakumar kicks off tunnel road project
Government intends to seize Hebbal land for construction of Bengaluru tunnel road, confirms DK Shivakumar
In a bid to decongest traffic hotspots in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Bengaluru Development, DK Shivakumar, announced the state government's intention to proceed with the proposed tunnel road project.
Following a meeting with Industries Minister MB Patil at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar revealed that the government aims to ease the traffic gridlock, focusing on the Hebbal area, a primary junction in the city's traffic network.
He further stated that the government would employ mechanisms like Transferable Development Rights (TDR) and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) benefits to acquire civil and defense-held plots of land. The government also plans to invite tenders for the project.
The tunnel road project, envisioned as two significant corridors - a North-South link from Esteem Mall in Hebbal to Central Silk Board, and an East-West corridor from KR Puram to Mysuru Road – is expected to cost approximately ₹42,000 crore. The initial phase, an 18-km stretch between Hebbal and Central Silk Board, is estimated at ₹17,000 crore and will feature three entry and three exit points. The project aims to integrate the tunnel road with NH-7 and NH-14 through collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). To finance the ambitious plan, the government has agreed to procure a ₹19,000 crore loan, with the state promising a guarantee for the project's entire cost.
However, controversy has surfaced regarding the use of 45 acres of land in Hebbal for the tunnel road. Bengaluru South MP PC Mohan argued that the parcel should be allocated to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) instead, as the land is crucial for the city's future mass transit, given the pending construction of three Metro lines and a suburban rail station in the area. Mohan voiced concerns over the delays in the Metro expansion, with the Yellow Line ready but stalled due to slow train procurement. The Pink Line is unlikely to be operational before 2026, and the Blue Line connecting to the airport has been postponed to 2027.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
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- Karnataka
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(P.S: It seems that this tunnel road project has also stirred controversy due to the land acquisition in Hebbal. Some believe the land, which is essential for the city's metro network, should be delegated to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd instead. The government has to navigate these conflicting interests and proceed with the project cautiously.)
- The tunnel road project, aimed at decongesting traffic in Bengaluru, Karnataka, will cost approximately ₹42,000 crore, with negotiations ongoing for a ₹19,000 crore loan to finance the ambitious plan.
- Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, in charge of Bengaluru Development, will employ mechanisms like Transferable Development Rights (TDR) and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) benefits to acquire necessary land for the project, including civil and defense-held plots.
- Despite the government's intentions, controversy has surfaced regarding the use of 45 acres of land in Hebbal for the tunnel road project, with some advocating for its allocation to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) to ensure the city's future mass transit needs are met.
- The tunnel road project is anticipated to integrate with NH-7 and NH-14 through collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), with an initial phase of an 18-km stretch from Hebbal to Central Silk Board set to cost approximately ₹17,000 crore.
- The Indian finance industry will closely monitor the progress of the tunnel road project, as its success could have significant implications for the transportation industry and the overall development of Bengaluru, Karnataka.
