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Bengaluru, Nov 3 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday demanded that the Congress-led Karnataka government share complete details of the proposed Bengaluru tunnel road project, while raising questions over its feasibility and financial viability.
Opposition leader R. Ashok accused the state government of hiding important information from the public and ridiculed it for announcing mega infrastructure plans without addressing the city’s persistent civic issues.
Speaking to reporters here, Ashok said, “The Congress government has not given any information to the people of Bengaluru about the tunnel road project. First they should answer the public’s questions.”
He said when he sought clarification from officials, he was told that the project required approval from 124 departments.
“Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said I will be made the chairman of the committee. To prove that they have the expertise to execute such a project, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar should first fill potholes on the roads. Those who cannot fill potholes, how can they build tunnels? And where is the money for it?” Ashok asked a question.
The BJP leader said his party was not opposed to development projects, but stressed that the government should fix potholes, manage waste and ensure environmental protection before launching such an ambitious scheme.
Ashok said, “They should not speak arrogantly as if the project will definitely be implemented. Lalbagh and Kempegowda Tower should not be damaged. The environment should not be destroyed. The government should answer to the people instead of answering to me. I am speaking as the voice of the public.”
He also said that the BJP is committed to supporting meaningful development, no matter which party is in power.
“We are demanding development for the people. No matter who becomes the chief minister, we will insist that they do good for the people. But there is both revolution and confusion within the Congress – their own leaders are accepting it,” he said.
The tunnel project, proposed to connect Hebbal/Esteem Mall (North Bengaluru) to Central Silk Board Junction (South-East Bengaluru), extends for about 18 km and is estimated to cost between Rs 12,690 crore and Rs 17,780 crore in the initial phase.
The proposed alignment includes multiple entry and exit ramps at strategic locations, with sections up to 120 feet (about 36 m) underground. The project aims to reduce travel time along the corridor from 60-90 minutes to around 20-25 minutes.
The Karnataka Cabinet has given in-principle approval for the tunnel corridor, and global tenders are expected to be invited soon. However, the detailed engineering plan, funding model and execution timeline remains under review.
–IANS
MKA/PGH