Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Karnataka Approves Hebbal-Mehrkri Tunnel Project
The Karnataka government has approved a big project to make traffic better in Bengaluru.
They will build a special road underground, called a tunnel, and also a road above the ground, called an elevated corridor.
This is to help cars move more easily between two busy places, Hebbal Junction and Mehkri Circle.
The project will cost a lot of money, about Rs 2,215 crore.
The government thinks this will make a big difference because this part of the city is very busy with lots of cars all the time.
However, some people, like those from the BJP, think the project is too expensive and won't really help much.
They say there are cheaper and better ways to fix the traffic problems.
The government says they have followed the right steps to approve the project, but the critics say the decision was made without proper thought and transparency.
The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Hebbal–Mehkri Tunnel–Elevated Corridor Project to ease traffic congestion.
The project includes a three-lane twin-tunnel road and an elevated corridor with up and down ramps.
The project will follow the cut-and-cover tunnel model as proposed by the Urban Development Department.
The estimated cost of the project is Rs 2,215 crore.
The project aims to reduce surface congestion and improve traffic flow in one of Bengaluru's busiest corridors.
- Who
- Karnataka Cabinet
- What
- Approved the Hebbal–Mehkri Tunnel–Elevated Corridor Project
- When
- December 4, 2025
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Why
- To ease traffic congestion between Hebbal Junction and Mehkri Circle
Karnataka Government
BJP
Project Effectiveness
Karnataka Government
The project will significantly ease traffic congestion and improve vehicle movement in the Hebbal-Mekhri corridor.
BJP
The project is an expensive and ineffective solution to Bengaluru's traffic issues, with limited impact on easing congestion.
Cost and Alternatives
Karnataka Government
The project is necessary and justified despite its cost of Rs 2,215 crore.
BJP
A surface road alternative would cost just one-tenth of the proposed tunnel and would be more effective.
Governance and Transparency
Karnataka Government
The project has been approved following proper administrative procedures.
BJP
The decision is arbitrary and lacks transparency and accountability, with internal objections from the Finance Department being ignored.
- Project Name
- Hebbal–Mehkri Tunnel–Elevated Corridor Project
- Location
- Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Project Cost
- Rs 2,215 crore
- Project Model
- Cut-and-cover tunnel model
- Project Components
- Three-lane twin-tunnel road and elevated corridor
- Approval Date
- December 4, 2025
- Key Critic
- BJP's Tejasvi Surya
- Criticism Points
- Exorbitant costs, limited impact, lack of coordination, and arbitrary decision-making
