Urban Development Department Questions Cost of Hebbal Tunnel Plan

The proposed 2.2-kilometre tunnel from Hebbal to the Veterinary College campus on Ballari Road is under scrutiny by the Urban Development Department (UDD) of Karnataka. The UDD has requested detailed clarifications from both B-SMILE and the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) regarding four key aspects of the project, highlighting concerns about its financial implications and overall feasibility.

Originally designed by B-SMILE using the cut-and-cover method, the tunnel plan was transferred to the BDA for execution. The UDD has labeled the project as “expensive” and has sent a formal letter to both organizations outlining its concerns. These issues are primarily driven by queries raised by the finance department, which worries that the costs associated with the tunnel may compromise the financial and operational viability of another major initiative: the 17-kilometre Hebbal–Central Silk Board tunnel, which is currently in the tender phase.

The UDD’s correspondence indicates that the proposed short tunnel option is significantly more costly than a standard surface road, which could achieve similar outcomes at approximately one-tenth of the price. The letter further states that the preference for a tunnel stems from the refusal of the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU) to allow a surface road through its campus. The UDD argues that this justification is insufficient.

Another significant concern is that the short tunnel plan introduces contractual and integration conflicts by altering the scope of B-SMILE’s North–South Tunnel corridor project, which connects Hebbal with Central Silk Board. This includes the potential deletion or reconfiguration of crucial ramps at Mehkri Circle. The UDD warns that as the short tunnel is not intended to be a tolled facility, it may attract considerable traffic, which could undermine the financial viability of the larger North–South Tunnel project.

The financial burden on the BDA could also be substantial, as the project is estimated to cost Rs 2,215 crore. The UDD notes that the BDA’s funding strategy relies on generating Rs 10,000 crore through asset monetization by March 2026—a revenue stream that is highly susceptible to market fluctuations and regulatory delays.

Moreover, the UDD highlighted the absence of a comprehensive feasibility analysis conducted by independent experts. It points out that the proposal primarily addresses private vehicular movement and fails to adequately integrate with high-capacity public transport systems, which contradicts global best practices. According to the UDD, projects involving tunnels and elevated roads without parallel public transport investments often induce demand elsewhere, shifting congestion to different locations.

In October 2023, KVAFSU formally rejected any proposals for a surface or elevated road traversing its campus. The university emphasized that the land required for such a project contains vital laboratories, livestock units, field research plots, and other essential infrastructure that cannot be disturbed. However, KVAFSU expressed willingness to consider a tunnel option, provided it has no adverse effects on surface operations or academic activities. The university insists that any proposal must be supported by a thorough technical feasibility study and structural assessment certified by a recognized independent agency.

As the situation develops, the UDD’s scrutiny of the Hebbal tunnel project reflects broader concerns about sustainable urban infrastructure and the financial implications of ambitious transportation initiatives. The response from B-SMILE and BDA, as well as the next steps regarding the project, will be closely monitored by stakeholders across the region.