By D K Shivakumar Justifies Bengaluru Tunnel Roads Project, Cites High Cost of Road Widening
Bengaluru’s traffic woes have long been a point of contention, with congestion worsening due to increasing vehicle density and limited road infrastructure. To address this, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has strongly defended the proposed tunnel roads project, emphasizing that widening existing roads as an alternative would cost an exorbitant Rs 3 lakh crore.
The tunnel roads, intended to decongest key routes, have been planned from Hebbal to Silk Board and K R Puram to Mysuru Road. While the project has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civic activists, Shivakumar insists that it is a necessary long-term solution.
Why Bengaluru Needs Tunnel Roads
Bengaluru, often dubbed India’s Silicon Valley, has witnessed rapid urbanization and economic growth. However, this has led to severe traffic congestion, making daily commuting a challenge for residents. The proposed tunnel roads aim to:
Reduce travel time between major hubs
Alleviate surface congestion by diverting traffic underground
Enhance connectivity between key commercial and residential areas
Shivakumar reiterated that expanding road networks on the surface is not feasible due to the high cost of land acquisition and demolition of existing infrastructure.
Project Details: Proposed Tunnel Routes
The Karnataka government has identified two major tunnel corridors:
Hebbal to Silk Board: This stretch, covering approximately 25 km, is one of the most congested routes in Bengaluru. It connects northern and southern parts of the city and is a major IT corridor.
K R Puram to Mysuru Road: This corridor, covering around 20 km, will improve east-west connectivity and decongest arterial roads.
If executed efficiently, the tunnel roads could significantly improve Bengaluru’s traffic flow.
Opposition and Public Reactions
The tunnel road project has sparked political controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) planning protests against it. Critics argue that underground infrastructure projects are costly, prone to delays, and may face technical challenges, such as waterlogging and ventilation issues.
Civic activists have also raised concerns about environmental impact and questioned whether tunnel roads will truly resolve congestion or merely shift traffic bottlenecks elsewhere.
However, Shivakumar remains firm, stating, “The alternative of widening roads would require land acquisitions worth Rs 3 lakh crore, which is simply not viable. Tunnel roads offer a practical solution without disrupting the city’s existing landscape.”
Potential Benefits of the Tunnel Roads
Despite opposition, the tunnel roads project promises several advantages:
Traffic Decongestion: A significant reduction in surface-level congestion by diverting vehicles underground.
Faster Commute: Reduced travel time for daily commuters, particularly IT professionals and office-goers.
Minimal Land Acquisition: Unlike road widening, which demands extensive demolitions, tunnels utilize underground space.
Economic Growth: Improved connectivity can boost Bengaluru’s commercial sectors by facilitating smoother movement of goods and people.
Environmental Benefits: Less idle time on roads could lead to lower vehicle emissions and reduced pollution.
Challenges and Feasibility
While the project sounds promising, it comes with inherent challenges:
High Initial Cost: Tunnel construction is expensive and requires substantial financial backing.
Technical Complexities: Excavation, ventilation, and waterproofing are crucial factors for ensuring tunnel longevity.
Maintenance Requirements: Underground roads require regular upkeep to prevent issues like flooding and structural damage.
Experts suggest that detailed feasibility studies and phased implementation will be key to the project’s success.
Conclusion: A Bold but Necessary Step?
Bengaluru’s traffic crisis calls for innovative solutions, and the tunnel roads project could be a game-changer if executed effectively. While opposition parties and activists have raised valid concerns, Shivakumar’s argument about the cost of road widening strengthens the case for tunnels.
With proper planning, public consultation, and efficient execution, tunnel roads could reshape Bengaluru’s urban mobility. However, the government must address concerns transparently and ensure that the project delivers its promised benefits without excessive financial or environmental costs.
As Bengaluru’s population and vehicle numbers continue to grow, the city’s infrastructure must evolve. The tunnel roads project, though ambitious, might be the much-needed step towards a smoother and more efficient urban transport system.