Bengaluru's controversial tunnel project gets bids from four major firms. Details: Report

Bengaluru's tunnel road project is a step closer to reality as four major firms bid for construction. Read on to know which firm could end up building it.

Published on: Nov 13, 2025, 15:18:40 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Bengaluru’s expensive and controversial tunnel road project has moved a step closer to reality, with four major infrastructure firms submitting bids to build it.

Bengaluru's controversial tunnel road project progressed forward with four firms submitting bids to construct it. (AI generated image- Google Gemini)

Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE), the agency in charge, confirmed receiving proposals from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), Adani Group, Vishwa Samudra Engineering, and Dilip Buildcon Limited, said a report by The Hindu.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru man loses ₹80 lakh in online trading fraud, probe on: Report

The ambitious plan involves constructing a 16.74-km twin tunnel that will link Esteem Mall Junction in Hebbal to Central Silk Board Junction, aiming to ease traffic congestion along Bengaluru’s north-south corridor. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has backed the project strongly, though it has faced opposition and multiple petitions in the High Court.

B-SMILE first floated global tenders in July 2025, but extended the submission deadline several times due to limited participation. The final bids were received by November 11, said the report.

According to officials, the construction will take about 50 months (just over four years), meaning the tunnel could open by late 2029 if all goes as planned.

ALSO READ | Can you guess if this 8-lane traffic jam is on busy Bengaluru road? See viral pic

The project will be developed under a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model, with a 34-year concession period, including construction. Once completed, the developer will manage the tunnels before handing them over to the Karnataka government, the report noted.

The tunnel is divided into two equal packages:

Package 1: Esteem Mall to Seshadri Road-Race Course Junction (8.748 km)

Package 2: Seshadri Road to Silk Board (8.748 km)

Each section will have two tunnels with three lanes each, equipped with entry and exit ramps. Around eight tunnel boring machines will be used for construction.

The project’s estimated cost is ₹17,700 crore, with financial guarantees of around ₹44 crore per package from the winning bidder.

HT.com has not independently verified the authenticity of this information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated Bengaluru Weather Live and with all the Breaking News and Latest News from Bengaluru. Click here for comprehensive coverage of top cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and more across India . Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News.