Bengaluru Tunnel Road Toll Estimated at ₹330
Bengaluru’s ambitious twin-tube tunnel road project, connecting Hebbal to Silk Board Junction, has generated significant attention with the unveiling of its detailed project report (DPR). The report estimates that commuters will face a toll of Rs 330 for the 16.6-km stretch of this underground corridor, which promises to alleviate some of the city’s infamous traffic woes. However, while the toll might offer a quicker and more seamless experience, it has also ignited a debate over its economic and environmental sustainability.
The proposed tunnel road aims to reduce the travel time between Hebbal and Silk Board Junction from an arduous 90 minutes to a mere 20 minutes, with three intermediate ramps at Mekhri Circle, Racecourse, and Lalbagh for convenient entry and exit. The feasibility report outlines several other tolls for various routes, including Rs 320 for the Hebbal-Sarjapur/HSR Layout stretch and Rs 250 for the Hebbal-Hosur Main Road segment. The project, while offering the promise of high-speed connectivity, has raised concerns about its long-term viability, especially with the estimated toll hikes tied to a 5% annual increase in wholesale price indices, starting from FY 2030-31.
One of the key components of the project’s financing model is a government grant under the viability gap funding scheme, ensuring that the project can proceed without placing excessive burden on taxpayers. This will be paired with a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, under which a private entity will operate and maintain the tunnel for a 25-year period after five years of construction. The government has agreed to act as a guarantor for a substantial Rs 19,000-crore loan for the project, which has raised concerns over long-term public debt and economic sustainability.
From a sustainability perspective, the project has attracted criticism from civic groups and mobility experts who have pointed out various discrepancies in the project’s planning. Environmental concerns have been raised, as the tunnel road could lead to long-term ecological damage, especially in areas with significant green cover. Additionally, some experts argue that the project fails to address the core issues of Bengaluru’s transportation system, such as congestion and pollution, effectively. While the government defends the project as a solution to decongest existing roads and reduce fuel consumption, critics question whether the environmental cost of the tunnel and the projected tolls outweigh the benefits.
Despite the criticisms, the government has remained steadfast in its support of the tunnel road, emphasising the potential benefits of reduced traffic congestion, lower noise pollution, and faster connectivity. The proposal is seen as a critical step towards improving the city’s infrastructure and modernising urban transport. However, urban mobility experts believe that a more comprehensive, sustainable approach would be to focus on multimodal transport solutions, including public transportation, cycling lanes, and green spaces, rather than further encouraging private vehicle use through toll roads.
In conclusion, while the tunnel road project may offer a promising solution to Bengaluru’s traffic problems, its environmental, economic, and social implications must be carefully examined. The need for a balance between urban development and sustainability is more crucial than ever as cities grapple with the challenges of rapid growth and limited resources. Bengaluru’s tunnel road project will likely be a test case for future infrastructure projects, highlighting the importance of responsible planning that takes both short-term and long-term impacts into account.
