Karnataka Clears Rs 2,215 Crore Hebbal Mehkri Tunnel Elevated Corridor to Ease North Bengaluru Traffic

The Karnataka State Cabinet has approved a major infrastructure project aimed at transforming traffic flow across North Bengaluru. The government has cleared a Rs 2,215 crore plan that will create a new tunnel and elevated corridor linking Hebbal Junction and Mehkri Circle, two of the city’s busiest and most congested points. The approval marks a significant step forward for Bengaluru’s long term mobility strategy, especially for neighbourhoods that have struggled with chronic traffic bottlenecks.

The project includes a three lane twin tunnel stretching 2.27 kilometres from Hebbal Junction to the Karnataka Veterinary University. Beyond the tunnel section, the plan features an elevated corridor that will continue towards Mehkri Circle. The entire stretch has been designed to ease pressure on surrounding localities such as Ganganagar, Sanjay Nagar and RT Nagar where daily traffic snarls have been a persistent challenge for residents and commuters.

This new plan stands apart from the ongoing Hebbal to Silk Board tunnel proposal which is still under tendering. While the larger twin tunnel project is expected to reshape citywide connectivity, it does not directly benefit the neighbourhoods along the Hebbal to Mehkri stretch. The Bengaluru Traffic Police had highlighted the need for a separate corridor to address the specific congestion pockets in North Bengaluru. This recommendation played a key role in shaping the current development.

The project will also bring major changes to Mehkri Circle which will be redesigned as a modern rotary interchange integrating multiple flyovers for smoother movement. Officials note that the estimated cost was initially placed at Rs 1,325 crore but increased to Rs 2,215 crore after incorporating additional structural enhancements including new flyover components.

The Bangalore Development Authority will oversee the execution and funding of the project through its own financial resources. With Bengaluru expanding rapidly and traffic volumes rising every year, the Hebbal Mehkri corridor is expected to deliver meaningful relief to thousands of commuters while supporting broader urban development goals.