Lalbagh Above, a 16.75 km Tunnel Below: Engineers Dig Deep for a Way Out of Hebbal to Silk Board Traffic Jam

Bengaluru's traffic is often described as one of the worst in the country. Now, a new 16.75 km Tunnel Road Project (TRP) aims to change that. Planned to connect Hebbal in the north to Silk Board in the south, the underground corridor promises to make travel faster and smoother across the city's busiest routes. But as the project gathers pace, experts and citizens alike are asking - will it really solve Bengaluru's traffic problem?

What the Project Promises

The tunnel is being designed to pass beneath central Bengaluru, connecting key points without disturbing the surface roads. If built as planned, it could reduce travel time between Hebbal and Silk Board by nearly 30 minutes.

Engineers are currently studying soil and rock layers to finalise the safest underground route. Authorities say the tunnel will also integrate with metro lines and major roads, becoming part of Bengaluru's larger "smart mobility" network. The goal is to ease congestion at main junctions and give commuters a smoother, uninterrupted drive through the city.

Decision to Build Without Disturbing Lalbagh

While the idea sounds promising, there are several concerns. One major issue is the tunnel's route under heritage and green areas - especially Lalbagh. The government has clarified that the tunnel will pass deep below the garden, and only one acre of land will be used temporarily to set up construction equipment. Officials promise that this land will be restored once work is done.

Still, environmentalists warn that underground construction could affect soil strength, water flow, or even old buildings in the area. The city has formed special teams from the horticulture, geology, and urban planning departments to monitor the project closely and prevent any damage.

'I Will Discuss the Tunnel Road With Tejasvi Surya': D.K. Shivakumar

A day after Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar challenged Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya to share his plan to tackle the city's traffic woes instead of opposing the proposed tunnel road project, Surya said he has sought time to present his ideas for addressing vehicular congestion.

Speaking to reporters, Surya said, "I have long advocated sustainable, long-term solutions to Bengaluru's problems. As a resident of this city, it is my responsibility to support good ideas just as it is my duty to oppose short-term fixes that fail to address the root cause."

Legal Challenge Over Environmental Concerns

The ambitious project has now hit a legal roadblock. The Karnataka High Court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by actor and activist Prakash Belawadi.

MP Tejasvi Surya, representing the petitioner, argued that the project lacks a mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and could affect the historic rock formations beneath Lalbagh. The court is expected to review reports submitted by the concerned departments before allowing further progress.

Will It Really Fix Bengaluru Traffic?

Experts say tunnels can help, but only to an extent. Bengaluru's traffic problems stem from multiple issues - too many vehicles, poor last-mile connectivity, and uneven public transport coverage. Unless the tunnel is supported by better bus and metro links, parking controls, and smart traffic management, it might only shift congestion from one road to another.

The Bengaluru Tunnel Road Project is an ambitious ₹17,000-crore infrastructure initiative designed to decongest the city's arterial routes through an extensive underground corridor. The proposal envisions around 35 km of tunnels linking key junctions such as Hebbal, K.R. Puram, and Central Silk Board, offering signal-free, high-speed connectivity and easing the burden on surface roads.