Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the six-lane twin tunnel road connecting Mekhri Circle and Hebbal Junction in Bengaluru, describing the project as a major step towards easing the city's chronic traffic congestion. The 2.5-kilometre cut-and-cover tunnel is intended to improve connectivity to the Kempegowda International Airport corridor and the Ballari Road, two of Bengaluru's busiest transport routes. The project, however, has drawn criticism from the BJP, which termed it an "elite corridor."

Addressing the gathering after the foundation ceremony, Shivakumar said the tunnel road would be toll-free and would significantly reduce travel time for commuters passing through the congested Hebbal Junction. He said the state government's long-term objective is to address Bengaluru's traffic challenges through major infrastructure projects. Referring to Hebbal as the "grand gateway" to the city, he expressed confidence that the tunnel would provide lasting relief to motorists entering and leaving Bengaluru.

The project involves the construction of a six-lane underground corridor using the cut-and-cover method, a technique in which a trench is excavated, the tunnel is built, and the surface is restored after construction. Officials said the tunnel is expected to improve traffic flow on one of the city's most critical stretches, particularly for vehicles travelling between central Bengaluru and the airport. Once completed, it is expected to reduce bottlenecks and improve connectivity for thousands of daily commuters.

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Rithwik Projects Private Limited has been awarded the construction contract after emerging as the successful bidder with a project cost of ₹1,139 crore. The Bengaluru Development Authority has set a construction deadline of 18 months, during which work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to existing traffic. Authorities said the project forms part of a broader strategy to modernise Bengaluru's transport infrastructure and accommodate increasing vehicle numbers.

The project has also become the subject of political debate, with the Bharatiya Janata Party criticising the proposal and describing it as an "elite corridor." BJP leaders have questioned whether the tunnel would benefit the wider public and have raised concerns over the project's cost and priorities. The Congress-led state government, however, has defended the initiative, arguing that major infrastructure investments are essential to address Bengaluru's long-standing traffic congestion and support future urban growth.

The Hebbal tunnel road is one of several large-scale infrastructure projects planned for Bengaluru to improve mobility and reduce travel delays across the rapidly expanding metropolitan area. With airport traffic continuing to rise and vehicle numbers increasing each year, the government believes the new tunnel corridor will play a key role in enhancing road connectivity and easing congestion on one of the city's busiest transport corridors once construction is completed.

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