Bengaluru: BJP MP Tejaswi Surya has urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to halt further progress on the proposed Hebbal short tunnel project until a comprehensive scientific and technical assessment is carried out.
The project, being undertaken by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to ease traffic congestion, is estimated to cost around ₹1,140 crore. The proposed tunnel, measuring about 2.2 km, is planned between Hebbal Junction and the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU). Around 3.45 acres of Hebbal Lake land is reportedly being transferred for the project.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Surya raised concerns over the tunnel’s possible impact on the proposed Metro Red Line and suburban railway projects. He also alleged that the project was taken up without obtaining the required approval from the Bangalore Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA).
The Bengaluru South MP said several civic groups had raised objections and submitted petitions against the project, but claimed that adequate consultations had not been held with stakeholders.
Surya has called for a detailed traffic simulation study and an independent technical assessment by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) before the project proceeds further. He has also sought the views of the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) and BMLTA under the Urban Development Department.
He said Bengaluru’s future transport infrastructure should be planned based on scientific studies, expert recommendations and an integrated multimodal transport strategy.
According to Surya, infrastructure projects should address the city’s long-term mobility requirements rather than provide only short-term relief from congestion.
The ₹1,140 crore Hebbal Short Tunnel project should not proceed without a scientific assessment.
Experts have raised serious concerns over the project's design, safety, and integration with Bengaluru's long-term mobility network. The project also passes through Hebbal Lake… pic.twitter.com/TDXohEo8KY
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) August 12, 2026
