To address severe traffic congestion issues along Bengaluru‘s Ballari Road, the Karnataka government on Thursday granted administrative approval for a short tunnel-elevated corridor connecting Hebbal Junction and Mehkri Circle. The project, estimated at Rs 2,215 crore, is set to offer a critical mobility upgrade for North Bengaluru and particularly for airport-bound commuters.
The proposed corridor is separate from the 16.75 km Hebbal-Silk Board twin tunnel project. The Cabinet’s decision marks a renewed focus on underground infrastructure after the previously proposed steel flyover to ease congestion on the same stretch was abandoned due to public opposition.
Why another tunnel?
The project was recommended by the Bengaluru Traffic Police. They raised concerns that the long twin-tunnel plan excludes two-wheelers and autorickshaws, leaving persistent congestion in densely populated neighbourhoods such as:
- Ganganagar
- Sanjay Nagar
- RT Nagar
The new alignment, designed to support all vehicle categories, provides a more inclusive mobility solution.
Land acquisition kept minimal
One of the key advantages of the corridor is that most of the route lies on government-owned land. This reduces the land acquisition burden. The Cabinet was informed that acquisition costs will be restricted to Rs 25 crore, avoiding common delays seen in urban infrastructure projects, Indian Express reported.
A Cabinet note highlighted that widening existing roads along this corridor has become nearly impossible due to land constraints and legal complications, especially the incomplete bridge widening between Esteem Mall and Hebbal. After a site inspection in May 2025, deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar directed officials to pursue a long-term structural solution, the report further stated.
Part of a larger mobility strategy
A private consultant’s feasibility study submitted to the government indicated that tunnel and elevated corridors connecting the city centre to emerging suburban belts would offer major congestion relief.
While the state is pursuing the 17-km north-south tunnel as a flagship project, traffic authorities have suggested extending the newly approved corridor from Hebbal to GKVK Veterinary College to improve access for northern commuters.