CM announces toll-free short tunnel at Hebbal
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has declared that the proposed 2.2-kilometre short-tunnel road in Hebbal will be toll-free. The announcement was made on 29 June 2026, with Shivakumar describing the project as an 'interim measure' to address immediate traffic congestion in the area.
Distinction from larger tunnel project
Shivakumar emphasised that this short tunnel is 'different' from the much larger 17-km Hebbal-Silk Board tunnel road project. The longer tunnel, which is expected to take significantly more time to materialise, remains a separate initiative. The CM stated that the short tunnel is designed to provide quicker relief to commuters while the bigger project undergoes planning and execution.
Traffic relief and cost implications
The 2.2-km tunnel aims to ease congestion at the Hebbal junction, a major traffic bottleneck in Bengaluru. By making it toll-free, the government hopes to encourage its use and reduce delays. No cost estimates for the short tunnel were provided in the announcement, but officials indicated it would be funded through state resources.
Reactions and next steps
The decision has been welcomed by local residents and commuters who frequently face long waits at Hebbal. According to transport experts, the interim measure could reduce travel time by up to 15 minutes during peak hours. The government plans to fast-track approvals to begin construction within the next six months.
