Bengaluru to get twin tunnel road, government allocates ₹17,780 crore

Bengaluru’s traffic congestion is set to ease as the government has allocated ₹17,780.13 crore for the construction of twin tunnels from Esteem Mall near Hebbal to Silk Board Junction. The 16.5 km underground road will be built 125 feet below ground level, ensuring no land acquisition is required. The tender process for the project will commence in April. The Urban Development Department has appointed The Boston Consulting Group India Private Limited for project consultation at ₹8.50 crore, while Altinok Consulting Engineering will prepare a feasibility report for ₹5.54 crore. Rodic Consultant Private Limited has been tasked with drafting the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for ₹9.45 crore. The tunnel will include three-lane roads, each 10.5 meters wide, with a total diameter of 13.5 meters. The deepest section, where it crosses metro tunnels, will reach 180 feet. Entry and exit points will be built at Mekhri Circle, Chalukya Circle, and Lalbagh at a cost of ₹3,000 crore, requiring 45 acres of land. A hybrid annuity model (HAM) will be used for execution, with the government considering toll collection if private bidders do not come forward. The toll is expected to be ₹17 per km, with maintenance contracted for 30 years. Construction is targeted for completion within five years, using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) to achieve a daily progress of 180-200 meters.