Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Bengaluru Tunnel Exit Shifted Away From Lalbagh Over Environmental Concerns
The government planned to build a tunnel road in Bengaluru to help cars avoid traffic.
One proposed exit was near Lalbagh, a large and important green space.
Residents and environmental activists worried that construction could damage the garden.
They also said the effects might last for a long time.
Because of these concerns, the government decided not to use the Lalbagh location.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar asked officials to find another site.
The tunnel project may still go ahead, but its exit would be somewhere else.
The government is trying to improve traffic without harming Lalbagh.
The Karnataka government will not build the proposed tunnel exit near Lalbagh.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar directed the Greater Bengaluru Authority to find an alternative site.
Residents and environmental activists opposed the original location over possible damage to Lalbagh.
The decision aims to protect Lalbagh’s green cover, open spaces, and heritage significance.
The tunnel road is intended to help address Bengaluru’s persistent traffic congestion.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the Greater Bengaluru Authority, residents, and environmental activists.
- What
- The government dropped the proposed Lalbagh tunnel exit and will seek an alternative location.
- When
- The article does not specify a date; the decision followed objections to the proposed site.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka, with the disputed exit proposed near Lalbagh.
- Why
- To avoid potential damage to Lalbagh’s green cover, open spaces, and heritage significance while pursuing a project intended to address traffic congestion.
Conservation Concerns
Infrastructure Needs
Whether the Lalbagh site should be used
Conservation Concerns
Residents and environmental activists argued that construction near Lalbagh could consume or damage part of the garden and have lasting effects.
Infrastructure Needs
The tunnel road is being considered as a way to provide underground connectivity and address Bengaluru’s persistent traffic congestion.
Balancing development and public spaces
Conservation Concerns
Protecting Lalbagh’s green cover, open spaces, vegetation, and heritage significance should take priority.
Infrastructure Needs
The government is continuing to pursue the broader tunnel-road proposal while looking for a different exit location.
- Project
- A proposed underground tunnel road in Bengaluru
- Rejected location
- An exit near Lalbagh
- Alternative plan
- The Greater Bengaluru Authority will identify another exit location
- Decision-maker
- Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar instructed officials to change the site
- Main concern
- Possible damage to Lalbagh’s vegetation, green cover, open spaces, and heritage features
- Project purpose
- To provide underground connectivity and help address Bengaluru’s traffic congestion