PWD Minister: No agency chosen yet for B'luru tunnel project

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently mentioned the government’s plans for the construction of a 190-kilometre tunnel network to alleviate traffic congestion in the city.

Responding to this, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi has clarified that no specific agency has been chosen for the project yet.

Jarkiholi stated that potential agencies under consideration for the tunnel construction include the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).

He emphasised that a decision regarding the agency responsible for the tunnels' construction will be made after evaluating proposals from NHAI, BBMP, and BDA, which have presented different plans.

The government's focus is on using advanced technology for this challenging tunnel construction project. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has also expressed interest in participating in the project.

A final decision is expected to be reached during a meeting with the Chief Minister. Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru Development Minister, emphasised the need for these tunnels to reduce traffic congestion.

The government has already enlisted eight eligible consultancy firms to prepare a concept plan, and a tender for infrastructure works, including the tunnels, will be issued within the next 45 days.

Initial tunnel plans include locations such as Old Madras Road, Silk Board, Ballari Road, and Tumakuru Road, with an estimated project cost of around Rs 50,000 crore.