July 6, 2023: To decongest roads in Bangalore, the Karnataka government and the BMRDA officials have decided to construct underpasses that will connect the ends of the city, according to media reports.
Deputy chief minister and Bengaluru development minister DK Shivakumar chaired a meeting with BMRDA officials and committee members to address the traffic issues in the city. The government plans to allocate around Rs 25,000 crore for the initial phase, for developing 50 kilometre (km) of tunnels, involving the collaboration of private companies. The focus will be to improve connectivity to the city’s outer parts by building tunnels.
Traffic congestion woes in Bangalore
The 5.2-km Hebbal Flyover has been witnessing severe traffic congestion, affecting commuters in the northern parts of the city. According to a Times Now report, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials have proposed the development of a flyover over the Hebbal Lake or a 63-km underground tunnel connecting the Hebbal Junction. The deputy CM has asked the officials to conduct feasibility studies of the various options.
Recently, the deputy CM inspected various locations in the city and said that there were 18 points of traffic congestion.
Tunnel roads to link airport, IT corridors
According to a report by Deccan Herald, the state government plans to conduct a feasibility study for constructing tunnel roads in two congested areas of the city centre, for connecting the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) with the IT corridors. However, no decision has been taken regarding the government agency responsible for the project.
The government is considering building two tunnel corridors connecting Hebbal to KR Puram via the Mehkri Circle, the Bengaluru Cantonment Railway Station and the Old Madras Road. Another stretch will connect the Silk Board from Cantonment through Double Road, Lalbagh and Hosur Road.
Infrastructure consulting firm AECOM made a detailed presentation at the meeting. The company gave examples of existing tunnel roads in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.
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