Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, is poised to significantly mitigate its notorious traffic congestion with the upcoming construction of an 18-kilometre-long underground tunnel road. This strategic initiative, spearheaded by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), aims to address the city’s persistent traffic woes, which are particularly exacerbated during monsoons and festive seasons due to insufficient infrastructure and public transport.
The ambitious project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 8,100 crore, translating to roughly Rs 450 crore per kilometre. BBMP sources have set an optimistic completion date for January 1, 2025. The tunnel will connect Esteem Mall in Hebbal, north Bengaluru, to the Central Silk Board junction in the south, integrating multiple strategically placed entry and exit points across the city to ensure seamless connectivity.
This extensive tunnel is expected to dramatically reduce travel time between Hebbal and Central Silk Board from over an hour to a mere 20-25 minutes. Key entry and exit points will include the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) quarters at Central Silk Board, Lalbagh, Bangalore Golf Club, Palace Grounds, and adjacent government land near Esteem Mall in Hebbal.
The tunnel’s design will accommodate traffic speeds ranging from 40 kmph to 60 kmph. To fund maintenance, a user fee will be implemented, though the exact amount has not yet been determined.
This project is a testament to BBMP’s commitment to enhancing Bengaluru’s infrastructure and alleviating the daily stress experienced by commuters. The city’s traffic issues have long been a significant concern, impeding not just daily commutes but also the overall efficiency and productivity of the workforce. The underground tunnel project is expected to be a game-changer, offering a long-term solution to the city’s traffic challenges.
Bengaluru’s traffic congestion has been a persistent problem, particularly affecting the tech industry and other businesses that rely heavily on timely and efficient transportation. The BBMP’s tunnel project is seen as a critical step towards modernising the city’s infrastructure and improving the quality of life for its residents.
While the project is ambitious, its successful completion could serve as a model for other Indian cities grappling with similar traffic issues. By providing a rapid transit alternative, the tunnel is poised to significantly enhance urban mobility, reduce travel time, and potentially boost economic activity by making the city more accessible.
As Bengaluru awaits the completion of this monumental project, the BBMP continues to work diligently to ensure that the tunnel meets all safety and operational standards. The integration of modern technology and innovative engineering solutions will be pivotal in the successful implementation of this project.
The tunnel’s anticipated impact extends beyond mere convenience; it is expected to catalyse broader infrastructural developments and set a precedent for future urban planning initiatives in India.
