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News18
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- News18
8 Ramps, 16 Bottlenecks: Is Bengaluru's Tunnel Project Headed For A Jam? Know More
Last Updated: The DPR reveals that already packed spots like Hebbal Flyover, IISc, Maharani College Junction, Wilson Garden, and Hosur Road could witness even more snarls. Bengaluru's much-hyped tunnel road project, stretching from Hebbal to Silk Board and costing around Rs 22,000 crore, is now under scrutiny. Promoted as a fix for the city's infamous traffic snarls, this underground road may end up doing the opposite. Backed strongly by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, the tunnel was meant to ease congestion. However, the final Detailed Project Report (DPR) reveals a worrying detail: the entry and exit ramps — just eight in total — could give rise to 16 new gridlock points, as per The new Indian Express. Where Will the Trouble Begin? The entry and exit ramps are planned in already clogged areas such as: While the tunnel's core length is 16.68 km, users will actually travel close to 18.91 km one way — thanks to the ramp distances. Depending on where one starts or ends the journey, additional travel on surface roads could further extend the route beyond 19 km. This defeats the whole purpose of faster travel and instead adds time, fuel, and frustration. Rajkumar Dugar, founder of Citizens for Citizens (C4C), warns the tunnel could worsen traffic even for those who don't use it. 'New U-turns, sharper merges, and narrower roads will choke the city even more," he said. Urban planner V Ravichandar also pointed out that entry/exit bottlenecks might cancel out any real time savings. view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 14:26 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Bengaluru Hebbal–Silk Board tunnel road may add to traffic snarls, add 22 gridlock situations: Detailed Project Report
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Bengaluru's ambitious Hebbal–Silk Board underground tunnel has indicated that fewer vehicles are expected to use the corridor in a no-toll scenario than in one where tolls are levied, both towards the city and the airport, suggesting more traffic congestion with tolls. This anomaly, revealed through a review of the traffic projections for the proposed 16.75 km tunnel, has raised eyebrows about the integrity of the demand modelling used to justify the project's viability. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had earlier emphasised that 'without toll, the tunnel road project will not work.' The numbers defy logic, say mobility experts, who argue that tolling infrastructure generally reduces traffic volumes, as price-sensitive daily commuters, especially those heading into the city, tend to avoid toll roads. According to the final DPR prepared by Rodic Consultants for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the number of vehicles (measured in Passenger Car Units or PCUs) projected during the morning peak hour in 2031 is 34,796 in a no-toll scenario. However, if toll is charged, the number drops to 33,057 PCUs (Scenario 2), and even further to 32,304 PCUs in Scenario 3 (alternative alignment with toll). DPR forecasts higher or similar volumes in toll scenarios, especially airport-bound trips in 2041, where Scenario 2 surprisingly shows more traffic than the no-toll scenario. In the morning peak hour projections for 2031, DPR estimates that 19,932 PCUs will travel towards the city and 14,864 PCUs towards the airport in a no-toll scenario, adding to 34,796 PCUs. However, in the toll-based Scenario 2, these numbers drop to 18,731 PCUs towards the city and 14,326 towards the airport at 33,057 PCUs. Scenario 3, another toll-aligned option, shows an even lower 18,405 PCUs city-bound and 13,899 PCUs towards the airport, totalling 32,304 PCUs. The pattern remains similar in 2041, with the no-toll scenario projecting 26,215 PCUs towards the city and 19,489 towards the airport (at 45,704 PCUs), compared to Scenario 2's 24,949 city-bound and 19,994 airport-bound PCUs (total: 44,943), and Scenario 3's 24,809 city-bound and 19,664 airport-bound PCUs (total: 44,473). DPR also proposes a toll of Rs 330 (one-way) for a distance of 16 km. The report also highlights that tolls for subsequent years are calculated based on a 5 per cent annual increase in the wholesale price index, with a 40 per cent restriction. Additionally, DPR also warns of at least 22 gridlock situations at entry and exit ramps if ramp capacities are not adequately designed or if traffic management is not strengthened. Some of the potential gridlock locations include the Chalukya Circle, Race Course Road junction, Minerva Circle, Cauvery Junction, Lalbagh West Gate, and other areas. The report recommends the need for additional slip lanes and turning lanes, signal optimisation and real-time monitoring systems. Satya Arikutharam, an urban mobility expert, said, 'BBMP's Tunnel Road proposal upends economic theory. Its traffic analysis outputs suggest that more cars will use the Tunnel Road facility when tolled. The entire transport modelling work is flawed, and the all-important modal share is just arbitrarily lifted from the old Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP). The DPR is flawed and unreliable, and I do not expect any credible bids for the tender.' Rajkumar Dugar, convenor, Citizens4Citizens forum, said, 'The tunnel road project is likely to do the exact opposite of what it promises. Any minor gain from commuting at an average speed of 50 kmph inside the tunnel will be almost entirely wiped out at the entry and exit points. Worse, it will create traffic chaos for those who aren't even using the tunnel. If the goal is truly to free up the roads, what's needed is a serious push for public transport — buses, metro, suburban rail and more.' Sanath Prasad is a senior sub-editor and reporter with the Bengaluru bureau of Indian Express. He covers education, transport, infrastructure and trends and issues integral to Bengaluru. He holds more than two years of reporting experience in Karnataka. His major works include the impact of Hijab ban on Muslim girls in Karnataka, tracing the lives of the victims of Kerala cannibalism, exploring the trends in dairy market of Karnataka in the aftermath of Amul-Nandini controversy, and Karnataka State Elections among others. If he is not writing, he keeps himself engaged with badminton, swimming, and loves exploring. ... Read More
Hans India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
CM, Dy CM offer ‘bagina' at Kabini reservoir
Mysuru: ChiefMinister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday performed the traditional bagina ritual at the Kabini reservoir in Beechanahalli, to mark the filling of the state's first major dam this monsoon. The Kabini reservoir, known for reaching capacity early during monsoon, had already touched near-full level by the first week of June. On Sunday, the water level stood at 2,283.33 feet, just short of its maximum capacity of 2,284 feet, with an inflow of 15,000 cusecs. After offering bagina at the dam's tower premises around 11:15 am, CM Siddaramaiah laid the foundation stone for rejuvenation works worth Rs32.25 crore. Speaking to the gathering, Siddaramaiah highlighted the importance of the Kapila river — a major tributary of the Cauvery — which irrigates over 1.13 lakh hectares. 'Like every year, bagina has been offered praying for prosperity to our farmers. A Brindavan-like landscape will also be developed near the dam for tourists,' he added. Reiterating the government's commitment to the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, the CM urged the Centre to grant clearances. 'Both the Goa and Union governments are under BJP's control — they should ensure permission for Mahadayi and Mekedatu,' he said. Deputy CM Shivakumar said the Cabinet, which met at Mahadeshwara Hills recently, had approved Rs88 crore for rejuvenating the dam and was committed to the reservoir's holistic development. District in-charge minister Dr HC Mahadevappa, MLAs Anil Chikkamadu, K. Harish Gowda, Darshan Dhruvanarayana, AR Krishnamurthy, and MLC Dr D Timmaiah were present.
Hans India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
BJP spreads lies, will never come for an open debate: CM
Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has accused the BJP of deliberately spreading lies about the state government's achievements and challenged the party to engage in an open public debate—a challenge he claims the BJP continues to avoid. Speaking to the media after offering bagina at the Kabini reservoir, Siddaramaiah dismissed BJP's recent criticism regarding his alleged snub of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar during a government event in Mysuru. 'It is customary to welcome guests present at the event. Since the Deputy CM was not there at that moment, his name was not mentioned. BJP is just trying to create a rift between me and Shivakumar. Their efforts to gain political mileage through such claims are mere illusions,' he said. Addressing concerns raised over GST-related tax notices being issued to small traders for digital payments, Siddaramaiah clarified that GST was a central government initiative, and the council functioned under its purview. 'Although it falls under the Centre, we will consult with the Union Government and the State's Commercial Tax Department to arrive at a fair resolution for small traders,' he assured. Responding to media queries about the success of the recent Sadhana Samavesha, the Chief Minister said over two lakh people attended the public rally in Vijayanagara, demonstrating strong public support. 'BJP leaders only peddle lies, while they themselves are replicating our guarantee schemes across the country. Our government has already spent Rs52,000 crore to fulfill these guarantees,' he concluded.
Hans India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Technical panel's report will guide dam safety works: DKS
Mysuru: DeputyChief Minister and Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday announced that the state government has constituted a technical committee to assess the safety of dams across Karnataka. Repair and development works will be taken up based on the committee's recommendations, he added. Speaking to reporters on Sunday near the Kabini reservoir after offering bagina, DCM Shivakumar observed that this was the first time in two years that the reservoir had filled up. 'After KRS, today we offered bagina at Kabini. This dam has supported us even in difficult times,' he said. He also confirmed that a proposal to expand the Kabini region had been put forth by local MLAs, and that the government had approved Rs35 crore worth of developmental works in the area. Additionally, a Rs88 crore micro-irrigation project DPR had been prepared and submitted. Referring to the Tungabhadra dam gate repairs, he stated that the incident prompted the formation of a technical committee to review the safety of all state dams. 'We will act on their findings as soon as the report is submitted,' he assured. When asked about the proposal for a Kabini Utsav and Kaveri Aarti, he said discussions would be held with district ministers and local leaders to promote tourism and employment through such events. On the stalled botanical garden project, he said that while private investment was welcome, the current priority remained optimal water use and dam safety. Regarding his sudden Delhi visit, Shivakumar clarified it was a private legal matter. 'I informed the Chief Minister, attended a brief meeting with lawyers, and returned the same night,' he explained. Reacting humorously to BJP's claim of disrespect towards him, he quipped, 'They always show me extra love because I'm stronger.'
