Bengaluru Eyes Ultra-Modern Tunnel Network for Traffic Decongestion
Bengaluru’s traffic crisis may soon be addressed with an ambitious underground road plan proposed as part of a futuristic infrastructure push. A new Ultra-Modern Underground Road Network (UMURN) has been pitched as a solution to growing congestion, aiming to connect key zones of the city. Officials believe this underground network could become the foundation of Bengaluru’s long-term urban mobility strategy.
A new infrastructure vision has emerged for Bengaluru’s congested roads through the proposed Ultra-Modern Underground Road Network (UMURN), which seeks to address the limitations of the existing surface transport system. By linking major parts of the city through subterranean corridors, officials hope to significantly reduce pressure on arterial roads. The project is being promoted as a long-term solution that integrates urban connectivity with sustainable mobility planning.
The proposal coincides with the state’s ongoing plans for a ₹42,000 crore tunnel road project connecting Hebbal to Silk Board and other crucial city points. While initially met with political opposition, the new UMURN plan now finds backing across leadership as a way to permanently address Bengaluru’s traffic snarls. Stakeholders believe that building below the city may offer a more feasible path than road widening or flyovers in densely populated areas.
Key decision-makers argue that the growing population density, driven by Bengaluru’s booming tech and industrial sectors, requires radical and future-oriented transport strategies. They cite the urgent need for transformative solutions like underground infrastructure and the long-pending Peripheral Ring Road project. Both are now being viewed as complementary measures to address existing traffic issues while future-proofing the city’s transport grid.
The UMURN plan also aligns with broader smart city goals, positioning Bengaluru as a pioneer in subterranean mobility infrastructure. The intent is not just to reduce congestion but to catalyse economic productivity by saving travel time and improving freight and commuter movement. If approved, this would mark a significant shift in the city’s infrastructure strategy, balancing growth with sustainability and space optimisation.
With the proposed Ultra-Modern Underground Road Network and the Peripheral Ring Road project, Bengaluru may finally gain the infrastructure boost it urgently needs. These plans promise to ease gridlock, connect critical areas, and support a sustainable urban future. However, their success will depend on transparent planning, inter-agency coordination, and environmental safeguards to ensure these massive undertakings benefit both commuters and the city’s long-term development goals.
