Bengaluru Tunnel Road Project

tendering

The Bengaluru Tunnel Road Project is a proposed 16.74 km underground corridor between Central Silk Board and Hebbal, intended as a signal-free link to alleviate traffic congestion in Bengaluru. The project has faced criticism over its feasibility, environmental impact, and inadequate geological assessment. The project is planned to be funded by Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-SMILE) borrowing Rs 9,303 crore and a private concessionaire covering the remaining 60% of the estimated Rs 10,619 crore construction cost. The private concessionaire will collect tolls for 30+10 years and have access to six acres of land for commercial development. The project has encountered scrutiny due to minimal geological investigations and other technical lapses in the Detailed Project Report (DPR). Despite concerns, the tendering process proceeded in July 2025, with some norms flouted regarding land possession and worksite clearance. Bidders have requested access to critical data for assessment, which has been denied by B-SMILE, leading to multiple extensions of the tender submission deadline.