Bengaluru’s first tunnel road project set to begin, expert panel reviewing DPR

 The Karnataka state government is set to launch Bengaluru’s first large-scale tunnel road project under the Brand Bengaluru initiative.

 Despite facing some opposition, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared for the ambitious 18-kilometre tunnel road connecting Hebbal Esteem Mall to Central Silk Board. Estimated at Rs 17,000 crore, the project aims to ease the city’s chronic traffic congestion. To ensure feasibility, the government has appointed a four-member expert panel to review the DPR within three weeks.

The panel includes BMRCL civil officer Siddanagouda Heggareddy (chair), PWD Chief Engineer Madhav, tunnel specialist Captain Vinod Shukla, and Major B. Ashwanath from L&T Engineering.

Their report will assess construction viability, traffic impact, and recommend necessary modifications. If the panel submits its report within the deadline, civil work may commence as early as next month, aided by loans from banks already interested in funding the project. Sources indicate that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may lay the foundation stone by the end of May.

However, criticism persists. Opposition leaders like BJP MPs Tejasvi Surya and PC Mohan have accused BBMP of reusing an old DPR and wasting over Rs 14 crore of taxpayer money. Experts had earlier advised against such a massive underground project, suggesting instead the optimization of existing infrastructure.

Despite the concerns, the government remains determined to proceed, marking a bold step towards transforming Bengaluru’s traffic landscape.