Tejasvi Surya Seeks Technical Review of Rs 1,139-Crore Hebbal Tunnel Project

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has written to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urging an independent technical review of the proposed 2.2-kilometre Hebbal short tunnel project. In a letter dated July 30, Surya raised concerns regarding the safety, design, environmental impact, and public transport integration of the infrastructure project at Hebbal Junction.

The Rs 1,139-crore short tunnel project connects Hebbal Junction with the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU) and has reportedly commenced construction. As part of the development, 3.45 acres of Hebbal Lake have reportedly been transferred for execution.

Surya alleged that the project was notified without receiving approval from the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA), despite prior objections and representations submitted by local citizens.

In his representation, the MP highlighted several technical and safety concerns, including unsafe curves at entry and exit points, inadequate merging lengths, and the infringement of the lake buffer zone. He warned that the design could cause severe traffic tailbacks at ramps and lead to prolonged disruption along Hebbal Road.

Surya also noted that the construction appears to conflict with future transit infrastructure, specifically the proposed Red Line (Phase 3A) Metro corridor and the Suburban Rail alignment. He flagged reports that the proposed Veterinary College Metro station had been dropped, potentially impacting future multimodal transport integration in the area.

To resolve these concerns, Surya requested a comprehensive traffic simulation and an independent technical assessment by the IISc Sustainable Transportation Lab before execution continues. He also asked for input from the Directorate of Urban Land Transport and the BMLTA.

Additionally, Surya proposed that the government institutionalise a standard operating procedure for all major urban transport projects, requiring independent technical evaluations, integrated multimodal planning, and formal consultations with statutory agencies prior to final approval.