190-Km Tunnel Corridor Project Set To Link NH7 With NH14, Easing Bengaluru's Traffic Congestion

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss several key infrastructure projects aimed at resolving Bengaluru's traffic woes and improving the state's infrastructure. The meeting, which lasted around 20 minutes, saw Siddaramaiah present a memorandum requesting financial and administrative clearances for several projects.

Tunnel Corridor across 12 high-density corridors

One of the main projects discussed was the ambitious Rs 30,000-crore tunnel corridor project, which aims to link NH7 with NH14 and reduce traffic congestion in Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah urged PM Modi to allocate funds for the project, which will be jointly executed by the state government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The state government is moving forward with plans to construct tunnel roads in Bengaluru, despite opposition from environmentalists. The project will develop 191km roads across 12 high-density corridors and is expected to cost an estimated amount, although land acquisition will be required. The 12 roads include Ballari Road, Old Airport road, Hosur road, Mysuru road, Old Madras Road and others.

BDA's Bangalore Peripheral Ring Road (PRR)

Siddaramaiah also sought central government support for the 8-lane Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project, which is estimated to cost Rs 27,000 crore. The CM requested budgetary allocations for the project, which includes Rs 6,000 crore for constructing a 74km road and Rs 21,000 crore for land acquisition.

Namma Metro Phase 3

Additionally, Siddaramaiah urged Modi to approve Phase 3 of Namma Metro, which is projected to cost Rs 15,611 crore. The expansion is expected to enhance Bengaluru's public transportation network. He also requested viability gap funding from the Central government for BBMP's proposed integrated waste management facilities, which are planned at four strategic locations around Bengaluru to improve the city's waste management system.

The CM also pushed for expedited approvals for the Mekedatu and Mahadayi water projects. He requested Modi to instruct the union ministries of jal shakti and environment, forest, and climate change to swiftly approve the detailed project report (DPR) and accord environmental clearance. The Mekedatu project aims to store 67 tmcft of Cauvery water, providing drinking water to Bengaluru and generating 400 MW of electricity. Siddaramaiah asked for Modi's intervention to facilitate consensus between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the project.

Kalasa-Banduri drinking water project

The Chief Minister also sought approval for the Kalasa-Banduri drinking water project. The project, intended to redirect Mahadayi water for drinking purposes in Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot, and Gadag districts, has sparked decades-long controversy. In 2020, the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal allocated 13.42 tmcft of river water to Karnataka, a decision contested in the Supreme Court by Goa and Maharashtra.