Bengaluru Infra Body Floats Global Tender For Rs 17,698 Crore Twin Tunnel Road Amid Protests Over ‘Elitist And Unscientific’ Project

Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE), the special purpose vehicle set up by the Karnataka government, has issued a global tender for an underground twin tunnel road project intended to ease chronic traffic congestion along the city’s north-south corridor, Money Control reported.

The venture, to be executed under a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) model, is split into two packages, each slated for completion in just over four years.

Estimated to cost Rs 17,698 crore excluding GST, the tunnels will stretch from Hebbal Esteem Mall Junction to the busy Silk Board KSRP Junction, with numerous entry and exit ramps planned along the route.

Package 1 runs from Hebbal Esteem Mall Junction to Race Course Junction (Seshadri Road), measuring 8.748 km and pegged at Rs 8,770 crore.

Package 2 continues from Race Course junction to Silk Board, adding another 7.997 km for an estimated Rs 8,928 crore.

Bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit of Rs 44.64 crore, with the entire concession period spanning 34 years, including construction.

Despite the high price tag, the government appears determined to press ahead, even as critics voice alarm over costs and urban priorities.

Critics have urged the state to focus instead on expanding metro and suburban rail systems.

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has lashed out at the plan, branding it an “elitist and unscientific” vanity scheme that serves wealthy commuters while neglecting everyday citizens.

He further alleged “irregularities” in the feasibility report and DPR, claiming sections were “copied” from unrelated reports and that the consultants involved had troubling histories.

Surya insisted the project also lacks statutory approval under the BMLTA Act, deepening concerns about its legality and planning rigour.

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