Urban development and infrastructure experts in Bengaluru have voiced strong objections to a proposed infrastructure project, citing an exorbitant cost that has sparked a major debate. The focus of their concern is a planned 2.2-kilometer tunnel at the Hebbal junction, with a staggering price tag of Rs 1,385 crore.
Project Details and Expert Objections
The criticism emerges amidst the evaluation of larger infrastructure plans for the city. According to reports, the first option presented for a different corridor involved the use of six tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to construct 1.08 km of tunnel. This more extensive proposal was estimated to take 62 months to complete and carried a massive project cost of Rs 15,548 crore.
However, it is the specific plan for the Hebbal stretch that has drawn sharp criticism. Experts are questioning the financial logic and prioritization of spending such a vast sum on a relatively short 2.2-km tunnel. The objections center on whether this represents the most efficient use of public funds to address Bengaluru's notorious traffic congestion, suggesting the money could be better allocated to a more comprehensive, multi-modal transport solution.
Broader Implications for Bengaluru's Infrastructure
The debate over the Hebbal tunnel cost highlights a larger conversation about sustainable and cost-effective urban planning in India's tech capital. With the city continually grappling with traffic gridlock, there is immense pressure to deliver infrastructure projects that offer real relief without placing an undue burden on the public exchequer.
The expert objections, reported by Naveen Menezes and last updated on 11 November 2025, signal a call for greater transparency and justification for such high-cost projects. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how future large-scale infrastructure initiatives in Bengaluru and other Indian metropolises are planned, budgeted, and approved.
