Tunnel road is most viable solution to Bengaluru’s traffic congestion: D.K. Shivakumar

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday told the Legislative Assembly that constructing a tunnel road between Hebbal and Central Silk Board is the most viable solution to ease Bengaluru’s traffic congestion.

Replying to a debate on the city’s development, he said road widening within the city is impractical due to dense construction and the high cost of land acquisition. He added that congestion at Goraguntepalya Junction on Tumakuru Road — one of the city’s busiest intersections — could also be addressed through a tunnel road or underpass.

Mumbai’s tunnel roads

Drawing comparisons with other cities, Mr. Shivakumar noted that Mumbai is building six to seven tunnel roads and said Bengaluru has limited alternatives to tackle its traffic woes. He estimated that around ₹3,000 crore would be required for land acquisition and ₹17,000 crore for tunnel road construction. “Our tunnel road projects are estimated at ₹700–800 crore per km, compared to ₹1,300–1,400 crore per km in other States,” he said.

Addressing concerns over corruption, he said strict action had been initiated against officials allegedly taking bribes for issuing e-Khatas, with directions to suspend those involved. Out of approximately 25 lakh properties in the city, A-khatas have been issued to nine lakh properties, he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister also announced plans to develop an “AI city” on 8,000 acres near Bidadi in the Bengaluru South district, a proposal earlier mooted by Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy.

On comparisons with Hyderabad, Mr. Shivakumar said Bengaluru ranks among the world’s top technology hubs and does not need to compete with other cities. He cited reports placing Bengaluru sixth globally, behind cities like Beijing, while Hyderabad stands at 26th.

City’s strength

Highlighting the city’s strengths, he said Bengaluru has around 26 lakh IT professionals and hosts nearly 400 Fortune 500 companies. “In California’s Silicon Valley, there are about 13.5 lakh engineers, whereas Bengaluru has around 26 lakh engineers. This is Bengaluru’s strength,” he said, adding that there is also a push to develop more world-class schools in the city.