The ₹19,000-crore Hebbal–Silk Board twin tunnel project sees its bid deadline pushed to October 15, as technical complexities, cost-sharing challenges, and environmental hurdles mount.
The city’s ambitious Hebbal-Silk Board twin tunnel road project, pegged at a staggering ₹19,000 crore, has hit yet another roadblock. For the second time, Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-SMILE) has extended the deadline for private firms to submit bids—this time to October 15.
Also Read:NGT puts brakes on Bengaluru’s ₹19,000-cr twin tunnel project over EIA, eco concerns
Initially floated in July, the tenders invited bids for a 16.74 km six-lane underground road, split into three packages. The deadline, first set for September 2, was pushed to September 23 after bidders sought additional time. Now, at their fresh request, citing the project’s technical and financial complexity, the date has been pushed further. Notably, private firms are expected to bear 40% of the project cost, adding to their hesitation.
But delays aren’t the only challenge. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices after allegations of environmental violations and bypassing policy norms. Critics argue the project disproportionately prioritises private vehicles over public transport solutions like Namma Metro, which had proposed an alignment along the same corridor.
Also Read:B-SMILE to produce ₹85 lakh film on Bengaluru’s tunnel roads and elevated corridors
While the government continues to project the tunnel as a long-term solution to decongest Bengaluru’s notorious traffic, activists and mobility experts warn it risks becoming another high-cost, high-controversy venture that could stall sustainable mobility plans.
With each extension and rising scrutiny, the Hebbal–Silk Board twin tunnel project stands at crossroads.
Also Read:Hebbal junction upgrade: Tunnel road and KR Puram–airport flyover proposed