Bengaluru: India's Silicon Valley has long been infamous for traffic-related issues. From poor infrastructure to public transport, the residents blame them all as the ever-growing city continues to reel under terrible traffic woes, especially during monsoon and festivities. 

But the Bengalureans can now take a sigh of relief as the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is planning an 18-km-long underground tunnel road to decongest traffic across the city, officials confirmed. 

The project, being built at an estimated cost of around Rs 8,100 crore, or roughly Rs 450 crore per kilometre, will complete by January 1, 2025, the BBMP officials said. 

The underground tunnel will link the Esteem Mall in Hebbal in north Bengaluru with the Central Silk Board junction in the southern part of the city. The BBMP has planned five more entry and exit points, ensuring seamless commuting experience for travelers. 

Currently, the commuters claimed that traveling between Hebbal and Central Silk Board takes around an hour, or more if traffic persists. But with the new tunnel connectivity, the travel time will cut to just 20-25 minutes.

Bengaluru Tunnel: Entry and Exit Points 

The entry and exit points are planned at Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) quarters at Central Silk Board, Lalbagh, Bangalore Golf Club, Palace Grounds, and at the vacant government land next to Esteem Mall in Hebbal.

"According to our feasibility report, there are 15 congestion points between Esteem Mall in Hebbal and Central Silk Board junction that diagonally moves inside the city. So, to control this, the best alternative is a tunnel road," said a BBMP officials.  

Though the amount has not been disclosed yet, but the tunnel will have a commuting fee for travelers, dedicated towards its maintenance. "The best alternative economically, that's long-lasting and proven scientifically, is tunnel road construction," the BBMP official added.

The rapidly growing population and lack of proper transport infrastructure are often blamed for traffic woes in Bengaluru. Several government initiatives have been rolled out, but the traffic congestion still persists.