In a significant move concerning Bengaluru's urban development, BJP Member of Parliament Tejaswi Surya has formally requested Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to order a comprehensive technical review of the ambitious Hebbal Short Tunnel Project. Estimated to cost Rs 1,139 crore, the 2.2-kilometer tunnel aims to connect Hebbal Junction with the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU), a crucial link in easing the city's persistent traffic congestion. However, Surya, in his letter dated August 12, 2026, highlighted several critical concerns that necessitate an independent assessment.
Surya pointed out potential design and safety flaws, including unsafe curves at entry and exit points and inadequate merge lengths, which could exacerbate traffic problems rather than solve them. A major point of contention is the project's proposed route through 3.45 acres of Hebbal Lake land, raising environmental alarms and questions about adherence to buffer zone regulations. Furthermore, the MP expressed apprehension that the tunnel project might conflict with the planned Red Line (Phase 3A) Metro corridor and the Suburban Rail alignment, potentially undermining Bengaluru's long-term integrated public transport strategy. He also alleged that the project commenced without the necessary approval from the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA), despite citizen objections. Surya has urged for a comprehensive traffic simulation and an independent technical evaluation by institutions like the IISc Sustainable Transportation Lab (IST Lab) to ensure that Bengaluru's infrastructure development is guided by scientific planning and integrated solutions. This intervention underscores a growing demand for transparency and accountability in large-scale urban infrastructure projects, aiming to safeguard the city's ecological balance and future mobility.
