When Will the Bengaluru Tunnel Road Tender Process Be Finalised?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- First phase of the tunnel road project costs Rs 17,000 crore.
- Second phase estimated at Rs 23,000 crore.
- Project spans approximately 63 kilometres in total.
- Focus on double-decker structures for efficient traffic flow.
- State government seeks central funding for further development.
Bengaluru, July 5 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the tender process for the initial phase of the tunnel road project is expected to be concluded within the next 4 to 5 days.
"The first phase will incur an estimated cost of Rs 17,000 crore, while the second phase will require about Rs 23,000 crore," Shivakumar noted.
In a media briefing at Vidhana Soudha on Friday evening, he elaborated, "We are moving forward with the twin tunnel road initiative that spans roughly 40 kilometres from Hebbal Junction to Silk Board, and another 23 kilometres from Mysuru Road to K.R. Puram."
Shivakumar explained that double-decker structures will be developed where a network of 130 kilometres of flyovers and new Metro lines are proposed. Currently, 7 kilometres of such structures are complete, with a further 37 km double-decker project underway.
"The tendering for this will also be wrapped up soon. We aim to construct 300 kilometres of roads alongside stormwater drains (rajakaluves) to tackle Bengaluru’s traffic woes, which is our utmost priority," he emphasized.
He previously highlighted that this significant project demands substantial capital and will be executed in phases.
"We have pinpointed areas including Bellary Road, OMBR Road, ST Mall Junction to Mekhri Circle, Miller Road, Chalukya Road, Trinity Circle, Sarjapur Road, Hosur Road, Kanakapura Road to Krishna Rao Park, Mysuru Road to Sirsi Circle, Magadi Road, and Tumakuru Road to Yeshwantpur Junction, among others in Bengaluru," he mentioned.
The construction companies will assess viable locations for the tunnel roads in these regions. "The tunnel drilling machinery is relatively small. Similar tunnel roads have been developed in Mumbai and Northern India. Bengaluru needs a minimum four-lane tunnel road, which necessitates additional land for the project," he added.
Shivakumar also indicated that the state government will pursue funding from the central government for the project. "Once we receive the necessary submissions, we will approach the Union government. I have already discussed this matter with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, alongside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah," he stated.
In response to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's assertion that the tunnel road project aims to generate profit, Shivakumar maintained that the public has entrusted him with authority, and he does not require approval from the opposition.