Adani, Tata Join Race for Bengaluru’s ₹18,500-Crore Tunnel Road

Two of India’s infrastructure giants, Adani and Tata are now vying for one of Bengaluru’s most ambitious and debated urban projects: an 18-km underground tunnel road connecting Hebbal to Central Silk Board. Estimated to cost ₹18,500 crore, the project is being promoted as a long-term solution to the city’s infamous traffic woes.

The tunnel, if built, would provide signal-free connectivity across one of the city’s busiest north-south corridors. The aim is to divert vehicular congestion away from surface roads, cut travel time drastically, and offer faster access to tech hubs and commercial centres. The project will be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the concessionaire expected to recover investments through toll collection over 40 years.

However, not everyone is convinced. Urban planners and mobility experts have raised concerns about the project’s focus. Critics argue that building such a high-cost, car-centric tunnel in a city already grappling with overdependence on private vehicles may not yield the desired long-term results. They say Bengaluru needs more investment in metro lines, suburban rail, and last-mile connectivity instead of pushing solutions that benefit a small segment of road users.

Moreover, traffic impact assessments and environmental clearances are yet to be made public, leaving many to question the tunnel’s feasibility and actual utility. The absence of comprehensive traffic modelling and integration with public transit systems has only added to the scepticism.

Despite the controversy, the state government appears keen to move forward. With major players like Adani and Tata now in the picture, the tendering process is expected to gain momentum in the coming months.

Whether this mega tunnel will turn into a breakthrough or a missed opportunity remains to be seen.