Bengaluru Set for ₹1.5 Lakh Crore Mobility Overhaul, 40-km Tunnel Road Proposal Headed to Cabinet

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Wednesday announced that the state government will soon seek Cabinet approval for a 40-km tunnel road project aimed at tackling Bengaluru's worsening traffic congestion. The proposed tunnel, stretching across the city's north-south and east-west corridors, is part of a massive ₹1.5 lakh crore infrastructure plan designed to transform urban mobility.

Speaking at Katalyst Connect, an event organised by the Department of Electronics, IT and BT and attended by nearly 200 leaders from Global Capability Centres (GCCs), Shivakumar said the government was determined to press ahead with the project despite criticism from political opponents.

"The proposal for the 40-km tunnel road will be placed before the next Cabinet meeting. Political criticism does not bother me. Bengaluru needs long-term solutions, and we are committed to delivering them," he said.

Tunnel Road at the Heart of Mobility Plan

The underground corridor is expected to be one of the biggest road infrastructure projects in the city and forms the backbone of the government's broader mobility strategy. The overall plan includes investments of nearly ₹1.5 lakh crore in roads, flyovers and last-mile connectivity to reduce travel time and improve connectivity across Bengaluru.

The government also plans to build a 44-km double-decker corridor and a 133-km flyover network linking different parts of the city with Kempegowda International Airport. According to Shivakumar, work on a shorter tunnel at Hebbal has already begun, while planning for the larger tunnel corridor is underway.

Business Corridor to Connect Key Growth Hubs

The Deputy Chief Minister also reviewed progress on the 123-km Bengaluru Business Corridor, a project estimated to cost around ₹50,000 crore. The first phase alone is expected to see an investment of nearly ₹26,000 crore.

Once completed, the corridor will improve connectivity to rapidly growing areas such as Yelahanka, Kogilu, the airport region and Manyata Tech Park, easing the movement of commuters and businesses.

Metro Network to Expand to 500 km

Road projects alone will not solve Bengaluru's traffic woes, Shivakumar said, adding that the government is also working to significantly expand the city's Metro network. The long-term goal is to increase the Metro's reach to 500 km while strengthening last-mile connectivity so commuters can travel more seamlessly.

"We want to provide better living conditions and world-class infrastructure. If you face any issues, approach us directly. Together, we will build a better Bengaluru," he told industry leaders.

'Beyond Bengaluru' Vision

Shivakumar also spoke about the government's "Beyond Bengaluru" initiative, which aims to create new economic hubs outside the capital to reduce pressure on the city.

As part of the strategy, the government plans to offer a higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) to encourage global companies to invest in emerging urban centres.

"We will create more Bengalurus beyond Bengaluru," he said.

He added that the government would unveil a detailed mobility roadmap during the Bengaluru Tech Summit, scheduled to begin on November 18.

Shivakumar also said the government has stepped up efforts to reclaim footpaths occupied by street vendors to improve pedestrian safety. At the same time, he assured that vendors displaced by the drive would be rehabilitated by providing them with alternative spaces to carry on their businesses.