IISc Bengaluru Transport Expert's 4 Big Red Flags For Tunnel Road Project

Bengaluru:

A sustainable transport specialist from the Indian Institute of Science has suggested that Bengaluru's Hebbal-Silk Board Tunnel Road initiative, with its nearly Rs 18,000 crore price tag and intention to alleviate the city's notorious traffic congestion, may have minimal effectiveness.

In conversation with NDTV, Professor Ashish Verma highlighted several concerns about the project, including prohibitive costs for users and negative environmental impacts. NDTV conducted an analysis of the research and simulations related to this project.

According to the findings from IISc researchers, the tunnel project might not represent a practical transportation solution.

Professor Verma communicated these concerns to Karnataka's government in December, along with similar reservations about other traffic-alleviating infrastructure developments such as 'double-decker' flyovers and buffer roads.

The professor emphasized that these infrastructure developments merely promote private vehicle usage, potentially creating a cycle where more cars are purchased due to expanded roadways, eventually leading to renewed congestion. Instead, he advocated for enhanced public transportation systems.

Key Findings

Prohibitive expenses: With an anticipated toll of Rs 300 per journey, commuters using this route daily would need to budget approximately Rs 18,000 monthly. The report indicates this is an excessive amount, unaffordable even for many technology professionals in India's 'Silicon Valley.' Professor Verma noted that this cost puts the tunnel completely out of reach for middle and lower-income residents.

Exclusive accessibility: Building on concerns about travel costs, Professor Verma's analysis argued that the tunnel would predominantly serve wealthy citizens. This implies that traffic problems in other city areas—the very issue the tunnel was designed to address—would persist unresolved.

Restricted congestion relief: The project fails to provide a sustainable, city-wide answer to traffic challenges. Even under the most favorable projections, the tunnel's traffic volume will likely remain significantly below design capacity, primarily because the high tolls make it accessible only to affluent users.

Environmental consequences: Rather than mitigating the city's air quality issues, the report concluded that the tunnel would actually increase harmful emissions by encouraging additional vehicle purchases.

Professor Verma's research employed macro-simulation models that included scenarios with reduced or eliminated tolls. At least one additional scientist has expressed similar concerns about the project.

Nevertheless, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remains optimistic about the tunnel project's ability to reduce city congestion. Last month he stated, "It is our responsibility to ensure this city moves forward - seamlessly. The Tunnel Road Project is one such solution, among the most cost-efficient in the country - designed to ease traffic and power Bengaluru's growth. I am committed to transforming the city, not just for today, but to leave behind a lasting legacy for Namma Bengaluru."

The world sees India through Namma Bengaluru.It is our responsibility to ensure this city moves forward - seamlessly. The Tunnel Road Project is one such solution, among the most cost-efficient in the country - designed to ease traffic and power Bengaluru's growth.I am… pic.twitter.com/g3ZLL84zLw

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) August 17, 2025

However, DKS, as the Deputy Chief Minister is commonly known, faces significant criticism regarding Bengaluru's road conditions, particularly following a tech startup founder's complaints on social platform X.

ARCHIVE | Bengaluru To Get Flyovers, Tunnel Roads To Ease Traffic: DKS

On Saturday, Mr. Shivakumar, who also serves as the state's Development Minister, maintained that the governing Congress party is taking all possible measures to address the issue and criticized the BJP for politicizing the matter.

He also directed criticism toward the BJP, stating that "there are potholes everywhere, including in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in national capital Delhi".

RECAP | 'Don't Dismiss Grievances': Andhra Minister Raps DKS Over Potholes

Regarding BlackBuck co-founder Rajesh Yabaji's post, DKS declared that "no one can blackmail governments," which prompted a reprimand from Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh.

With input from agencies

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