The Hebbal junction in Bengaluru is infamous for heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. To reduce the congestion on this route, the Karnataka government is planning a second underground road project in Bengaluru. This new road project is expected to be 2.2 km long with six lanes, connecting Hebbal to the Veterinary college on Ballari road. Keep reading for more details.
Bengaluru To Get A New Underground Tunnel
As per the Hindustan Times, the Karnataka government is planning to construct a second underground tunnel in Bengaluru. It will connect Hebbal to the Veterinary College on Ballari Road. The first one is being built from Hebbal to Silk Board. The work on the first tunnel has already started.
The Hindustan Times report has mentioned that the new tunnel will begin near the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda statue at the Hebbal flyover junction. It will pass under Tumakuru road at the Outer Ring Road junction, and will emerge at the Veterinary college grounds. Finally, it will connect to the main carriageway of Ballari Road. To ensure everything goes smoothly, the authorities are also planning to widen the Ballari Road that is near the Veterinary college.
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Why The Second Tunnel Is Being Constructed?
According to The Times of India, this new project will reduce the traffic at the Hebbal flyover. It will also provide a quick and direct link between Kempegowda International Airport and Mehkri Circle. To construct this new tunnel, the workers will dig a hole, construct the tunnel inside it, and then fill it up, covering the surface. In short, they’ll be using a “cut and cover method.” There will be no use of boring machines.
In talks with Hindustan Times, BS Prahalad, Director (Technical) at Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (BSMILE) said that the tunnel is designed in a way that they will not have to acquire any land. They will simply use the open space in the Veterinary college campus. This new tunnel will have two main access points; one near the Veterinary college campus for vehicles driving towards the airport, and the second for vehicles coming from the airport towards Mehkri circle.
Do you think this new tunnel will help reduce the traffic congestion in the city? Let us know in the comments section!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Engin Akyurt (Representative Image)