Bengalurus traffic congestion to ease up with new tunnel as commuters breathe sigh of relief
The proposed tunnel will have two parallel tubes with a length of 2.2 kilometres and a width of 10.5 metres. It can have three lanes, with each of them being 3.5 metres wide. A vehicle can safely operate at speeds up to 60 kmph, making travel much easier for those going to the Kempegowda International Airport.
New Delhi: Bengaluru, the 'Silicon Valley of India', is infamous for its traffic congestion, and Hebbal Junction plays a big role in that notoriety.
But there is some good news
However, it will receive another infrastructure boost along with the proposed 16.74-km twin-tube tunnel originating near Esteem Mall. Now, the government has decided to construct a 2.2-km tunnel as well, which will connect the Veterinary College campus with the Hebbal Lake and will bring relief to commuters. New Delhi–Delhi-based consultants for B-SMILE have prepared a detailed report of the ambitious project, which gives the city relief from one of its tightest choke points.
The design of the proposed tunnel
The proposed tunnel will have two parallel tubes with a length of 2.2 kilometres and a width of 10.5 metres. It can have three lanes, with each of them being 3.5 metres wide. A vehicle can safely operate at speeds up to 60 kmph, making travel much easier for those going to the Kempegowda International Airport. The tunnel will start from the Veterinary College campus, move towards the National Highway near Hebbal Lake and will have more entry and exit points along Ballari Road.
The cost and timeline of the project
The tunnel will be made in the cut-and-cover method, a departure from the implementation of the tunnel-boring machines. The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 1,385.28 crore. The cost includes Rs 25 crore for land acquisition and rehabilitation, and it has been projected to take 18 months to complete the project. The Bangalore Development Authority has been entrusted with executing the project.
The new tunnel will provide commuters with massive relief in navigating the usually congested Hebbal Junction. People will be able to go to the airport easily, and it will also declutter the traffic in areas like RT Nagar, Sanjaynagar, and Ganganagar, leading to greater benefits for Bengaluru.