60-km Underground Tunnel Network to Ease Bengaluru Traffic, Tenders Soon

The Karnataka government is pushing forward with its ambitious 60-km tunnel road project in Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Monday. Tenders for the project will be floated soon as part of efforts to ease the city's chronic traffic congestion.

The underground tunnel network, planned across East-West and North-South corridors, will connect major arterial roads and help decongest busy junctions while preserving above-ground infrastructure. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has allocated ₹42,000 crore for the initiative, including ₹17,780 crore for tunnels along the NH-7 stretch from Hebbal to Silk Board-a notorious traffic bottleneck.

A detailed project report is in progress. Shivakumar said the government is offering a financial guarantee of ₹19,000 crore to support the initiative and is seeking assistance from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Additionally, Karnataka has proposed working with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to connect NH-7 with NH-14.

Land acquisition remains one of the main challenges. "We've requested land from the Defence Ministry and are in the process of acquiring properties from private owners and the Metro authorities," Shivakumar stated.

In parallel, the state government is also committed to raising the height of the Almatti Dam on the Krishna River from 519 to 524 meters. Shivakumar confirmed that legal consultations are underway and that a report is expected within two days. Despite objections from neighbouring states, the Deputy CM reiterated Karnataka's resolve to move forward.

The Almatti Dam, part of the Upper Krishna Project, has been a focal point in interstate water disputes. Karnataka, following a favourable legal ruling, is awaiting a gazette notification to implement the tribunal's decision allocating 173 TMC of water to the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to bring up the matter at a May 7 meeting of the four riparian states convened by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry.

When asked about Rahul Gandhi's alleged remarks regarding Lord Ram, Shivakumar said he was unaware of the comment and would only respond after reviewing it.

He also shared plans to visit Channarayapatna and nearby areas in Mandya and Ramanagara districts. During his visit, he will review pending water supply projects and meet with farmers and Congress leaders to assess local concerns.