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Summary:

The Karnataka state government has approved a ₹2,215-crore tunnel flyover project to ease congestion on the Kempegowda International Airport Road between Hebbal and Mehkri Circle in Bengaluru. While the government remains committed to the project, mobility activists are strongly criticizing the plan, arguing it’s an expensive and ineffective solution that could worsen congestion at Hebbal junction, a future major transport hub. They propose simpler alternatives like widening service roads and improving alternate routes. The activists highlight the potential redundancy of the project given upcoming metro and suburban rail lines and raise concerns about the tunnel’s design and lack of integration with other mobility options.

News Article:

Bengaluru Tunnel Flyover Sparks Controversy Amid Mobility Concerns

Bengaluru, December 9, 2025 — The Karnataka government’s recently approved ₹2,215-crore tunnel flyover project aimed at easing traffic between Hebbal and Mehkri Circle on the Kempegowda International Airport Road is facing strong opposition from mobility activists.

The state government, led by Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Giri Nath, remains resolute in implementing the project, stating it will proceed “at any cost.” The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) anticipates calling for tenders in January 2026, with a two-year construction timeline. The proposed project includes a 2.27-km tunnel starting from Hebbal flyover, a flyover to Mehkri Circle, and a rotary interchange at Mehkri Circle.

However, urban mobility experts argue the project is a costly and misguided solution. Rajkumar Dugar, a prominent activist, contends that simpler alternatives, such as widening the service road near Mehkri Circle and upgrading alternate routes, would be more effective.

Concerns have also been raised about the project’s potential to worsen congestion at the crucial Hebbal junction, which is slated to become a major public transport interchange. Dugar points out that several metro and suburban rail lines slated for completion by 2027, including the Blue Line and Pink Line, may render the tunnel flyover unnecessary.

Sanjeev Dyamannavar, another mobility expert, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive mobility plan for Hebbal, including parking facilities and improved integration of various transport modes. He criticized the apparent lack of coordination between government agencies in addressing the area’s transportation challenges.

The tunnel’s design, featuring sharp curves, has also come under scrutiny, with experts warning of potential safety issues and reduced traffic speeds. Opponents argue the project fails to address the root causes of congestion and risks creating a “vicious cycle” of road construction.

As the BDA prepares to move forward with the project, the debate highlights the growing tension between large-scale infrastructure projects and the need for sustainable, integrated urban mobility solutions in Bengaluru.

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