Bengaluru tunnel commute may cost Rs 318 one-way soon

Time of India

18-05-2025

Urban Development Department
BBMP
A flat toll of `19 per kilometre is already on the higher side for urban commuters. If this rate is subject to annual revisions, as is typically the case with such projects making it one of the most expensive commutes in the country ­
–Senior urban mobility expert
Viability Gap Funding
Commuters may have to pay `318 to use the proposed North-South twin tunnel corridor, if the estimated toll of `19 per kilometre is implemented. The corridor spans a total length of 16.745 km from Hebbal (Esteem Mall Junction) to Silk Board Junction via HSR Layout.The ambitious underground twin tunnel project in Bengaluru, designed to ease congestion along the North-South axis, is inching closer to reality. A detailed 126-page proposal has been submitted by theseeking state cabinet approval for its design, construction, operation, and maintenance.According to the proposal, commuters using the entire stretch could be charged `318—making it one of the costliest intra-city commutes in the country. The toll rate of `19 per kilometre, recommended by a private consultant based on traffic projections, is being seen as steep by urban mobility experts.The twin tunnel will run from Hebbal's Esteem Mall Junction to Silk Board Junction via HSR Layout, covering 16.745 km. It will feature three main carriageways along with two- or three-lane entry and exit ramps. The total cost of the corridor is estimated at `17,780.13 crore.The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike () has submitted a detailed project report (DPR), which incorporates suggestions and recommendations from an expert committee report dated May 5. The plan proposes implementation in two phases—Package 1 (North), stretching from Hebbal to Seshadri Road, is pegged at `8,814.78 crore, while Package 2 (South), from Seshadri Road to Silk Board, is estimated at `8,965.35 crore.The project may be executed through the improved Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, or under a Hybrid Annuity Model if BOT proves unviable. Additionally, `800 crore is sought for land acquisition and `150 crore for relocation works. Tenders will be floated after updating cost estimates in line with the expert committee's recommendations.Funding will be partly supported by(VGF), which can cover up to 40% of the project cost excluding GST. Of this, BBMP will contribute 40% of the VGF share to the selected bidder.If approved, the corridor is expected to be operational by the 2029–30 financial year. However, concerns over affordability remain.'A flat toll of `19 per kilometre is already on the higher side for urban commuters. If revised annually, it could become one of the most expensive daily routes in India,' a senior urban mobility expert warned.