Bengaluru’s ambitious twin-tube tunnel project, set to connect Hebbal and Silk Board Junction, is facing significant opposition due to a proposed Rs 330 toll for a 16.6-kilometer stretch. The Rs 19,000 crore initiative aims to reduce commute time from 90 minutes to just 20 minutes, but critics are raising concerns over its affordability, environmental impact, and long-term feasibility.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) reveals that toll rates will follow guidelines set by a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways gazette notification, with annual toll increases capped at 5% or a maximum of 40%. Additionally, an Intermediate ramp at key locations such as Mekhri Circle, Racecourse Road, and Lalbagh will allow commuters flexible entry and exit.
Despite the promises of reduced travel time and better connectivity, critics argue that the tunnel’s reliance on loans and viability gap funding raises doubts about its financial sustainability. There are also growing concerns about the potential environmental impact and the risk of urban sprawl, with the project possibly encouraging unchecked development along its route.
