Sat May 24 17:07:45 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Bengaluru to Get Massive Tunnel and Elevated Corridor to Ease Traffic Congestion**

**Bengaluru, May 24, 2025** – Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar today outlined ambitious plans to overhaul Bengaluru’s infrastructure and address chronic traffic congestion. Following a high-level meeting with cabinet colleagues, legislators, and senior police officials, Shivakumar announced the imminent launch of a ₹17,780 crore (approximately $2.1 billion USD) tunnel project stretching 16.75 km from Hebbal to Silk Board. Global tenders for the first phase of the project are expected to be issued soon.

“We are committed to easing the burden on Bengaluru commuters,” Shivakumar told reporters. He emphasized the need for careful traffic management during the tunnel construction, stating that no exits will be allowed within 1 km of Vidhana Soudha to minimize disruption.

In addition to the tunnel, the government plans to construct a 114 km elevated corridor across the city. Traffic police input is being sought to optimize traffic flow during the construction phase.

The Deputy Chief Minister also announced a “Clean Bengaluru” campaign, designed to tackle construction debris and general waste in the city. Citizens will be able to participate via a dedicated app or phone number, which will be launched soon.

Furthermore, a ₹4000 crore integrated solid waste management proposal has been approved by the cabinet, with tenders for 33 packages (one for smaller constituencies and two for bigger ones) to be called for a period of seven years.

Finally, Shivakumar announced plans to construct a “Cauvery Aarti” stage, designed as a platform for cultural and heritage celebrations of Karnataka. Tenders for the platform’s construction, to be built on flowing water, will be released soon.

The meetings were attended by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, senior officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority, the DG&IGP, and traffic police.

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