Karnataka Chief Minister lays foundation stone for Hebbal short tunnel project

Published 28 June 2026 · local

The Karnataka Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday (June 28, 2026) performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a three-lane, short transitory twin tunnel from Hebbal Junction

The Karnataka Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday (June 28, 2026) performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a three-lane, short transitory twin tunnel from Hebbal Junction to the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries University (KVAFSU). The development comes even as civic groups and activists have criticised the project, calling it an unnecessary expenditure. However, the government has backed the project after consulting a private agency and the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP), both of whom are believed to have supported the proposal for decongesting the areas around Hebbal. The 2.2-km-long tunnel is estimated to cost over ₹1,130 crore and is expected to be completed within two years.

The government has planned to execute the project using the cut-and-cover method. Initially, B-SMILE, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), was entrusted with implementing the project, but it was later handed over to the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). The project aims to decongest the interior roads leading to Hebbal while easing traffic at the junctions beneath the Hebbal Flyover. Its primary objective is to reduce congestion in localities such as Ganganagar, Sanjay Nagar, and R.T. Nagar. In addition to the short tunnel, an elevated corridor from the UAS Staff Quarters to Mehkri Circle will also be constructed, whose works are also expected to begin soon.

For the tunnel project, the concessionaire has already completed soil testing and is expected to commence work within a month. The Karnataka Cabinet had granted administrative approval for the project in December 2025. Tenders were invited twice, as no contractor had shown interest during the first round. However, the Finance Department had questioned the project, citing the high expenditure involved in what the SPV had described as a “quick fix”. The department suggested constructing a surface road instead, arguing that it could be completed more quickly and at nearly one-tenth the cost of the tunnel.

However, the BDA pointed out that widening the existing road along the stretch is not feasible due to the high cost involved and the challenges associated with land acquisition. The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh, BDA Chairperson N.A. Haris, and others.