Bengaluru’s traffic congestion issues are time and again discussed at dinner parties and even with our HRs, citing the reason for our late punch-in. It’s high time the city has some respite from it. And now news comes that Bengaluru will soon get an 18-km-long tunnel road with five entry points. Built at a cost of ₹8100 crore, could this end our traffic woes in the city? Let’s find out!
18-km Tunnel Road With 5 Entries, Costing ₹450 Crores Per Km To Come Up In Bengaluru
As per a report by India Today, in order to reduce tragic congestion in Bengaluru, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will develop an 18-km-long underground tunnel. The project will cost roughly ₹450 crores per kilometre and will most likely be completed by January 1, 2025. Moreover, this tunnel will connect Hebbal’s Esteem Mall (in north Bengaluru) to the Central Silk Board Junction in the southern part of the city with five entry and exit points.
Currently, it takes over one hour to commute between Hebbal and Central Silk Board. But once the tunnel comes up Bengalureans can travel between the two locations in just 20 to 25 minutes. The entry and exit points to this tunnel are Lalbagh, Palace Grounds, Bangalore Golf Club and the vacant ground near Esteem Mall in Hebbal.
BBMP Chief Engineer BS Prahalad stated to India Today that as per the feasibility report, there are 15 congestion points between Central Silk Board Junction and Hebbal Esteem Mall. And this diagonally moves inside the city. So, to avoid chaos and congestion in these areas, the BBMP has planned an alternative tunnel road.
Expect A Nominal User Fee!
The height of this underground tunnel will be 10 metres and it will allow vehicles to travel between 40 kmph to 60 kmph. Also, this tunnel ensures that there shall be minimal tree felling issues at interchange lanes. BS Prahalad also stated that while there is another alternative to sort out the issue it would require more land acquisition and tree felling. And it may disrupt traffic for 3 to 4 years.
So, this 18-km tunnel road project at an estimated project cost of ₹8100 crore was decided to be the right solution for Bengaluru’s traffic woes which are caused due to the city’s rapidly growing population. While an amount hasn’t been decided yet, you can expect a user fee for maintenance.
Bengalureans, are you waiting for the next year already to get some respite from the traffic?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro (Representative Picture)
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