Higher Tender Quotes Put Bengaluru’s Tunnel Road Plan in Question

The proposed Bengaluru tunnel road project has run into fresh uncertainty even before construction begins, after bids submitted by private companies exceeded the state government's estimated cost. The tender process for the underground road connecting Hebbal and Silk Board has not yet been finalised.

The Karnataka government had invited tenders for the 16.5-kilometre tunnel road project with an estimated cost of ₹17,698 crore. However, officials said the bids received were around 20 to 30 per cent higher than the projected budget, leading to confusion over whether the contract should be awarded.

The tunnel road project, planned between Hebbal and Silk Board, is a key proposal of the state government and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The project aims to ease traffic congestion along one of Bengaluru's busiest corridors. However, the higher bids have raised concerns about increased financial burden and feasibility.

Tender process details

Four companies participated in the bidding process-Adani Group, Dilip Buildcon, Vishva Samudra Engineering and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited. Of these, Dilip Buildcon and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited were declared technically ineligible.

Only two companies qualified for the final stage. The Adani Group submitted a bid of ₹22,267 crore, which is the lowest among eligible bidders but still significantly higher than the government's estimate. Officials said the Adani bid is about 24 per cent higher for the first package and nearly 28 per cent higher for the second package of the project.

Project structure

The tunnel road will cover a distance of 16.5 kilometres, connecting Silk Board and Hebbal. The project is planned to be executed in two phases. The first phase will run from Hebbal to Mekhri Circle, while the second phase will cover the stretch from Mekhri Circle to Silk Board.

With bids exceeding the approved estimate, the state government is expected to place the project before the Cabinet again for discussion. Cabinet approval will be required if the government decides to revise the project cost.

Officials also noted that an increase in the project budget could eventually lead to higher costs for commuters. The government has proposed toll collection on the tunnel road, a move that has already faced opposition. Any further increase in project cost may lead to stronger resistance from the public and opposition parties.

The final decision on the project is expected after detailed discussions at the Cabinet level.