Karnataka Deputy CM and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar has proposed a new 1.5-km tunnel road between Esteem Mall and the Veterinary College at Hebbal.
The idea is to reduce traffic congestion
at the ever-busy Hebbal junction. This comes even as the government is already working on a much bigger tunnel project from Hebbal to Silk Board, spanning 16.75 km.
Why Another Tunnel Now?
According to Shivakumar, this smaller tunnel on the Nagawara side is separate from the main tunnel and is expected to be completed in two years. BBMP Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao confirmed the plan and said it will soon be placed before the cabinet for approval, as per The Indian Express.
“The new tunnel will help decongest Hebbal,” Rao said, adding that it may also be integrated with the Hebbal-Silkboard tunnel wherever possible.
Is This the Right Move?
While the proposal might sound promising to daily commuters, not everyone’s convinced. Urban mobility expert Satya Arikutharam called such projects “ad-hoc and disastrous.”
“We don’t need patchwork solutions. What Bengaluru really needs is a proper master plan and quicker execution of the Metro line to the airport. That’s the only long-term way to reduce congestion at Hebbal,” he explained.
Tunnel Plans Facing Resistance?
The larger Hebbal-Silkboard tunnel project is already facing criticism from citizen groups, mobility experts, and Opposition leaders. They’ve accused the government of pushing ‘vanity projects’ instead of focusing on sustainable public transport.
Experts also warn that more tunnels might simply attract more private vehicles, making congestion even worse. The project’s own report highlights over 20 potential choke points due to inadequate exit and entry infrastructure.
What’s Next?
Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) has invited global bids for the Hebbal-Silk Board tunnel, with top infrastructure firms showing interest. Meanwhile, the BDA flyover at Hebbal will partially open before August 15, as per Shivakumar.
