Bengaluru: As per reports, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a major tunnel road project, aimed at easing traffic congestion in Bengaluru, has been finalized by the Karnataka government. The dual tunnel road project, one of the state’s most ambitious plans, spans a total length of 40 kilometers, consisting of two tunnels. The project will connect the Hebbal flyover to the Silk Board junction via an 18-kilometer tunnel and link KR Puram to Mysore Road through a 22-kilometer tunnel.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which is overseeing the project, anticipates significant expenditure for the construction of these twin tunnels. To fund the ₹19,000 crore project, BBMP has begun efforts to secure a loan. The state government has expressed support for the borrowing plan, which is crucial for moving forward with the project. However, BBMP is also exploring private investment options to help finance the construction.

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The first phase of the tunnel road project, which covers the stretch from Hebbal to Silk Board, is expected to cost ₹16,500 crore. Of this amount, ₹6,500 crore will be funded through viability gap funding (VGF), with the rest likely to come from private sector investments. The second phase will extend from KR Puram to Nayandahalli, with a projected cost of ₹25,000 crore.

The BBMP's goal is to reduce traffic congestion in Bengaluru by implementing this tunnel road plan, which is expected to shorten travel times and alleviate blockages in key areas of the city. While there have been discussions about the high cost of the dual tunnel road, studies commissioned by the BBMP have concluded that the dual tunnel approach is the most viable solution, considering future traffic patterns and the anticipated volume of vehicles.

The project, once completed, is seen as a critical step towards solving Bengaluru's persistent traffic woes. However, more details regarding the DPR for the tunnel road project have yet to be made public by the BBMP.

This initiative is expected to be a significant step towards improving the city’s infrastructure and providing a long-term solution to its growing traffic challenges. (With inputs from Agencies)