The Karnataka government has moved ahead with a major infrastructure project aimed at reducing congestion in North Bengaluru. A six-lane tunnel road between Hebbal Junction and the University of Agricultural Sciences is expected to become one of the city’s biggest mobility upgrades in recent years. The project, estimated at over ₹1,100 crore, has been awarded to Rithwik Projects, with officials setting an 18-month completion target.
The proposed 2.2-kilometre tunnel is designed to reduce traffic bottlenecks on the busy Bellary Road corridor, which connects central Bengaluru to Kempegowda International Airport. Every day, thousands of commuters face long delays in the Hebbal area due to heavy traffic movement from tech parks, residential zones, and airport-bound vehicles. Authorities believe the tunnel and an accompanying elevated corridor near Mekhri Circle could significantly improve travel times.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also announced that groundwork ceremonies for the tunnel and elevated road projects are expected later this month. The government says Bengaluru’s rapid growth demands aggressive infrastructure development, especially in northern parts of the city where large-scale residential and commercial expansion continues.
However, the project has also sparked debate. Critics argue that the tunnel’s cost is extremely high and that improving existing surface roads might provide a cheaper solution. Earlier, Karnataka’s finance department had reportedly raised concerns over the financial viability of the plan. Despite this, the state government has decided to proceed, saying the project is necessary to support the city’s future growth.
Urban planners say the Hebbal tunnel reflects Bengaluru’s increasing focus on large transport projects as authorities try to tackle chronic congestion problems. Residents are now waiting to see whether the ambitious timeline can actually be achieved, given the city’s history of delays in infrastructure execution.
News as reported
