The Indian state of Karnataka has approved a $2.13 billion (₹17,780 crore) tolled tunnel road project aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Bengaluru, one of the country’s fastest-growing urban centers and a major technology hub.
The 30-kilometer underground road will connect Hebbal in the north of the city to the Silk Board junction in the south, significantly cutting travel time through some of Bengaluru’s most gridlocked corridors. The project will be executed under the BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) model through global tenders and operated by a private firm for 30 years.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil told reporters that the entire project is expected to be completed within 38 months once construction begins.
The Chief Minister has been authorised to issue a call for global tenders to identify qualified bidders for the large-scale infrastructure development.