Ground Breaks on Hebbal’s 1,130 Crore Tunnel Despite Urban Planning Backlash
Construction has launched on a controversial twin tunnel project near Bengaluru’s Hebbal Junction. Local authorities have approved the use of lake land despite warnings from activists regarding the project's long-term utility.
Infrastructure Development Begins at Hebbal Junction
The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has initiated preliminary work on a 2.2-kilometer twin tunnel designed to link Hebbal Junction with the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU). This three-lane subterranean project, estimated at over ₹1,130 crore, aims to bypass one of the city's most congested transit points. Officials confirmed to The Hindu that basic operations are now underway, marking the first steps in a timeline set for completion within 24 months.
Hyderabad-based Rithwik Projects Private Limited secured the contract in May after submitting the lowest bid of ₹1,139 crore. Unlike other major transit projects currently under discussion, the BDA will fully fund this intervention without imposing tolls on commuters. Engineers intend to utilize the cut-and-cover construction method to install the infrastructure.
Environmental Clearances and Land Acquisition
A significant portion of the project involves the usage of lake-adjacent land. The Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA) recently sanctioned the transfer of 13,944 square meters (3.45 acres) within the Hebbal Lake vicinity. This specific site will facilitate the stretch of the tunnel connecting the main junction to the University of Agricultural Sciences staff quarters. While environmental concerns persist, the KTCDA approved the project based on internal assessments claiming:
- The tunnel will not diminish the water storage capacity of Hebbal Lake.
- Engineering protocols will be implemented to safeguard local hydrology during construction.
- No permanent adverse impact on the lake's ecological function is expected.
Civic Resistance and Strategic Justification
Despite the official commencement, the project faces an uphill battle with public perception. Civic groups and urban planning experts have characterized the tunnel as an expensive and redundant fix that ignores deeper systemic traffic issues. Activists argue that such localized interventions fail to provide sustainable relief for Bengaluru’s gridlock.
The State government stands by the necessity of the route, citing data from the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) and independent traffic consultants. These stakeholders maintain that the short tunnel is a required component for easing the bottleneck at Hebbal. Decisions to move forward were finalized after these consultations, regardless of the sustained criticism from local advocacy organizations.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
