Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on Thursday that a 190-km tunnel is being proposed to alleviate traffic congestion in Bengaluru. The state government plans to invite public tenders for the project within 45 days. Eight companies have already qualified for the tunnel road project and will submit a feasibility report. The decision on the number of lanes, starting and ending points, and the possibility of expanding the tunnel road across the city will be determined based on these reports.
Due to the large scale and funding requirements of the project, it will be executed in multiple stages. The initial phase will cover areas such as Bellary Road, Old Madras Road, Esteem Mall Junction to Mekhri Circle, Miller Road, Chalukya Circle, Trinity Circle, Sarjapur Road, Hosur Road, Kanakapura Road to Krishna Rao Park, Mysore Road to Sirsi Circle, Magadi Road, Tumakuru Road to Yeshwantpur Junction, Outer Ring Road, Goraguntepalya, KR Puram, and Silk Board areas.
DK Shivakumar emphasized the need for at least a four-lane tunnel road in Bengaluru. He urged chief engineers to accelerate the completion of priority works, including drainage for rainwater flow. In response to the recent heavy traffic congestion on the Outer Ring Road, the deputy chief minister has discussed the issue with officials and traffic police. He plans to visit the Outer Ring Road on October 7.
Additionally, Shivakumar highlighted the importance of collaboration between Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) engineers and traffic police to address pothole issues. BBMP should promptly fill identified potholes to prevent accidents, and the public can also report pothole locations directly to the BBMP Commissioner. The state government will seek assistance from the central government in addressing Bengaluru’s road congestion, as discussed with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
(Note: This article has been published as is, without any edits from NDTV staff, from a syndicated feed.)