Karnataka Dy CM D K Shivakumar seeks central funds to build tunnel roads, double-decker flyovers, elevated corridors worth Rs 90,000 crore in Bengaluru

“Bengaluru has evolved into a global hub for technology and investment, creating employment opportunities and driving economic growth. The city’s population is approaching 1.5 crore, and to sustain its status as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’, significant infrastructure upgrades are essential,” Shivakumar stated in his letter.

Tunnel roads to ease traffic congestion

Given Bengaluru’s space constraints, road widening has become increasingly difficult, prompting the government to propose tunnel roads to ease traffic congestion. The tunnel road project is one of the most ambitious projects of Shivakumar.

According to the letter, an 18.5 km north-south tunnel road from Esteem Mall in Hebbal to Silk Board Junction in HSR Layout is estimated to cost Rs 15,000 crore. Similarly, a 28.5 km tunnel road from KR Puram Junction to Nayandahalli Junction is expected to require Rs 25,000 crore.

The state government has committed Rs 19,000 crore as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for the project, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Hebbal-Silk Board twin-tube tunnel has been prepared and made available for public consultation.

Expansion of metro and elevated corridor projects

Following the successful implementation of a double-decker flyover near the Metro’s Yellow Line from Ragigudda to Silk Board Junction, the Karnataka Government now plans to adopt a similar model for Phase 4 of the metro expansion.

The project, spanning 45 km between JP Nagar and Hebbal, and from Hosahalli to Kadabagere, requires an additional Rs 8,916 crore, Shivakumar stated in his letter.

New flyovers and buffer zone roads

To address congestion at major traffic hotspots, the government has proposed constructing 17 flyovers covering 99.50 km at an estimated cost of Rs 12,000 crore. Additionally, to prevent encroachments along buffer zones of rivers, lakes, and stormwater drains, the state aims to develop 300 km of buffer zone roads, requiring an investment of Rs 3,000 crore, he stated.

Peripheral Ring Road and water supply projects

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is set to build an eight-lane, 73.04 km PRR business corridor to decongest the city under a public-private partnership model. The project is expected to cost Rs 27,000 crore, including Rs 21,000 crore for land acquisition and Rs 6,000 crore for construction, he stated.

To meet the city’s growing water demand, the government is also seeking funds for the Cauvery 6th Phase project, which aims to supply an additional 500 MLD of water by 2028.

Shivakumar has urged Members of Parliament from Karnataka to advocate for these crucial infrastructure projects and ensure that they receive the necessary allocations in the Union Budget.

The proposals to build tunnel roads, elevated corridors, and double-decker flyovers have attracted much criticism from civic groups, urban mobility experts, and a section of citizens. They have argued that the government should instead focus on providing a sustainable public transport system by speeding up metro and suburban railway projects.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has already spent Rs 4.5 crore for the final feasibility report for a comprehensive study to decongest Bengaluru city and Rs 9.5 crore for the preparation of a detailed project report for the proposed tunnel road between Hebbal and Silk Board.