Bengaluru tunnel road awaits clearance; Hebbal project gets cautious nod

Bengaluru's infrastructure push faces a mixed verdict this week as the proposed tunnel road project remains stuck in clearance limbo, while the Hebbal flyover upgrade has received a cautious go-ahead from authorities. The developments mark a critical juncture for two major traffic-easing initiatives in the city.

Tunnel road stuck in paperwork

The much-touted tunnel road, designed to cut travel time across the city's congested core, is yet to receive final clearances. Officials confirmed that environmental and technical approvals are still pending, with no firm timeline for completion.

The project, which has been in planning for years, faces scrutiny over geological surveys and drainage impact. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the file is moving but slowly. "We are addressing queries raised by multiple departments," he said, without committing to a deadline.

Residents and commuters have grown impatient with repeated delays. The tunnel road was expected to ease pressure on arterial routes, but its fate now rests on bureaucratic approvals that could stretch into next year.

Hebbal nod comes with strings

In contrast, the Hebbal flyover project received a cautious nod from the competent authority, but with conditions attached. The approval is not a blanket green light; it mandates additional traffic studies and design tweaks to address safety concerns.

The flyover, a key connector for north Bengaluru, has been a contentious issue. Local groups have raised objections over land acquisition and noise pollution. The conditional clearance reflects these concerns, forcing the implementing agency to revise certain aspects before work can begin in earnest.

Officials said the conditions include provisions for pedestrian access and better storm-water management. "This is a balanced decision," said a transport department representative, adding that the project will proceed only after all stipulations are met.

Traffic woes persist

Bengaluru's traffic congestion has worsened in recent years, with average commute times among the highest in the country. Both projects are seen as essential to unclogging major corridors, but their progress has been uneven.

The tunnel road, if cleared, would be one of the city's most ambitious infrastructure undertakings. However, experts point out that such projects require rigorous planning to avoid cost overruns and construction delays. The Hebbal flyover, meanwhile, offers a more immediate but limited relief.

The conditional approval has been welcomed by some civic groups, but others remain sceptical. "We need to see the fine print," said a resident activist in the Hebbal area, noting that past projects have often ignored stipulated conditions.

What lies ahead

For the tunnel road, the next steps involve completing pending clearances and securing funding. Officials have not ruled out further revisions, which could extend the approval process by several months.

For Hebbal, the implementing agency must submit revised plans within a month, following which the final go-ahead will be issued. A formal review meeting is expected later this month to assess compliance.

As the city waits, the contrast between the two projects highlights the challenges of urban infrastructure in a rapidly growing metropolis. The coming weeks will determine whether the cautious nod translates into actual construction or remains just another promise on paper.