Government advances 60-km tunnel road project to ease traffic

The Karnataka government is moving ahead with its ambitious 60-km tunnel road project in Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Monday. Tenders for the project will be floated shortly as part of the state’s strategy to address the city’s chronic traffic congestion. The proposed underground tunnel network will span the East-West and North-South corridors, linking major arterial roads and decongesting key junctions while preserving surface infrastructure. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has earmarked ₹42,000 crore for the project, including ₹17,780 crore specifically for tunnels along the heavily congested NH-7 stretch from Hebbal to Silk Board.

A detailed project report is underway. Shivakumar stated that the government will provide a financial guarantee of ₹19,000 crore and has sought support from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Karnataka has also proposed collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to connect NH-7 with NH-14. Land acquisition, however, remains a major hurdle, with the state seeking properties from the Defence Ministry, private owners, and Metro authorities.

Simultaneously, the government is committed to raising the height of the Almatti Dam on the Krishna River from 519 to 524 meters. Legal consultations are ongoing, and a report is expected within two days. Despite objections from neighboring states, Karnataka is determined to proceed, awaiting a gazette notification for its allocated 173 TMC of water under a favorable tribunal ruling. Shivakumar also announced plans to visit Mandya and Ramanagara districts to review pending water supply projects and meet local farmers and Congress leaders.