CM D.K. Shivakumar Lays Foundation for Toll-Free Hebbal Twin Tunnel; Says Easing Bengaluru Traffic Is Government's Priority
Bengaluru, June 28: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the toll-free twin three-lane tunnel road between Mekhri Circle and Hebbal Junction, saying the project is part of the government’s long-term strategy to ease Bengaluru’s growing traffic congestion.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the project at Hebbal Junction, Shivakumar said Hebbal has become the gateway to Bengaluru and reducing traffic bottlenecks in the area is among the government’s key priorities.
“Our objective is to systematically resolve Bengaluru’s traffic congestion. Hebbal has become the city’s gateway, and this tunnel project will significantly improve traffic movement in this corridor,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the 2.5-kilometre cut-and-cover tunnel will be constructed by the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) using its own financial resources and will remain toll-free for motorists.
Long-Term Infrastructure Planning
Shivakumar said the government is implementing infrastructure projects with a vision for the next five decades rather than focusing on short-term requirements.
“When we get an opportunity to serve the people, we must deliver lasting public infrastructure. None of us will remain forever, but our work will,” he said.
Referring to the Bengaluru Business Corridor, he said the project could have been completed for around ₹2,000–₹3,000 crore had it been implemented in 2006. However, delays have increased the project cost to nearly ₹24,000 crore.
He said landowners affected by the project are being provided with compensation, Transferable Development Rights (TDR) and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) benefits.
According to the Chief Minister, the proposed corridor will stretch approximately 123 kilometres.
17-km Tunnel Road Proposed
Shivakumar also said a proposal has been submitted for a 17-kilometre tunnel road connecting Hebbal and the Silk Institute, which is expected to be completed within three to four years if approved.
He said motorists opting to use the tunnel road would pay a user fee, while existing surface roads would continue to remain available free of cost.
“The objective is to save people’s time. Citizens should be able to complete their work and return home early. Every infrastructure project we undertake is aimed at improving the quality of urban life,” he said.
Responds to Opposition Criticism
Responding to allegations by Opposition parties over Bengaluru’s solid waste management projects, Shivakumar said criticism should be backed by facts.
He said allegations regarding corruption worth ₹10,000 crore were made even before tenders had been finalised.
“No tenders have been awarded yet, but allegations of ₹10,000 crore corruption are already being made. Such criticism only makes us more cautious, and we welcome constructive scrutiny,” he said.
The Chief Minister also defended the decision to reorganise Bengaluru’s civic administration into multiple corporations, saying the move was taken after consultations, including with Opposition leaders, to reduce administrative pressure on the city.
‘People’s Mandate Must Be Honoured’
Shivakumar said the Congress government is implementing infrastructure projects after receiving a strong public mandate.
He said the government has prepared development projects worth nearly ₹1.5 lakh crore for Bengaluru and is also working to regularise and protect property records for 30–40 lakh families under the leadership of Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
The Chief Minister also referred to recent initiatives, including the plantation of 15 lakh saplings under the Green Bengaluru campaign, saying the drive had earned recognition in the Guinness records through the collective efforts of the government, students, organisations and the public.
The foundation stone ceremony was attended by Ministers K.J. George, Krishna Byre Gowda, Byrathi Suresh, BDA Chairman N.A. Harris, MLC Nagaraj Yadav, Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Girinath, BDA Commissioner Manivannan, Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, and other senior officials.
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