Double-Decker Tunnel On The Horizon; Hebbal Flyover Expansion To Impact K.R.Puram Loop

Bengaluru Traffic Police issued a traffic advisory for the upcoming construction on Hebbal flyover, where Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) plans to add two new tracks, leading to the dismantling of two spans near the K.R.Puram loop. This construction will cause significant traffic slowdowns on the K.R.Puram loop towards the city for the next four months.

Commuters from K.R.Puram heading towards the city are advised to take alternative routes such as IOC-Mukunda theatre road, Lingarajapuram flyover route, and Nagavara-Tannery road. Those coming from Hegdenagar-Thanisandra should use the G.K.V.K-Jakkur road.

In January, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) announced a new plan to address traffic congestion on Ballari Road by constructing a 3-kilometer underground tunnel road between Hebbal junction and Palace Grounds near Mekhri Circle. This project aims to ease traffic between the city center and the airport.

Double-Decker Tunnel

In addition to the flyover expansion, Bengaluru is looking towards the future with a revolutionary project: a 3-kilometer-long underground tunnel road connecting Hebbal junction to Palace Grounds. In January, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) announced a new plan to address traffic congestion on Ballari Road by constructing a 3-kilometer underground tunnel road between Hebbal junction and Palace Grounds near Mekhri Circle. This project aims to ease traffic between the city center and the airport.

The tunnel will have a unique double-deck boat shape, with one deck heading towards the city and the other towards the airport. Altinok Consulting Engineering is preparing the detailed project report. The lower level will feature three lanes, while the upper level will have two lanes, making it double-decked unlike the underground Metro. BBMP plans to use vacant land near the stormwater drain in Hebbal and the area near Palace Grounds for entry and exit points.

B S Prahlad, BBMP's engineer-in-chief, stated that this project is more cost-effective than other alternatives. The boat-shaped design will be a distinctive feature of the tunnel. BBMP is also examining the upcoming Metro and suburban railway stations at Hebbal. Namma Metro is currently designing an underground Metro corridor in the Hebbal-Sarjapur line.