Engineers' Body Gives Green Light to Bengaluru's Ambitious Tunnel Road Project
The Institution of Engineers India (IEI) has thrown its weight behind Bengaluru's proposed tunnel road project, marking a significant development in the city's ongoing battle against chronic traffic congestion. The professional body has confirmed the project's technical and financial feasibility through a comprehensive assessment.
Official Submission to State Leadership
IEI Secretary M Lakshmana formally presented the detailed viability report to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on November 19, 2025. This submission represents a crucial milestone for the infrastructure initiative that aims to transform urban mobility in India's technology capital.
The engineering body's endorsement carries substantial weight in infrastructure circles, given its prestigious reputation and technical expertise. Their thorough evaluation covered multiple aspects of the proposed tunnel network, including engineering challenges, cost projections, and potential implementation timelines.
Addressing Bengaluru's Traffic Crisis
Bengaluru has been grappling with severe traffic congestion that costs the economy significantly in lost productivity hours. The tunnel road project emerges as a potential long-term solution to the city's infamous traffic snarls that affect millions of commuters daily.
The project aims to create underground passageways that would bypass the most congested surface routes, particularly in the central business districts and technology corridors where traffic movement often slows to a crawl during peak hours.
While specific details of the proposed tunnel routes remain under wraps, the IEI's technical validation suggests the project is both structurally sound and economically practical. This development comes as a relief to city planners who have been exploring various alternatives to decongest Bengaluru's roads.
Next Steps and Implementation Outlook
With the technical feasibility established, the state government is expected to move forward with detailed planning and funding arrangements. The project will likely proceed through multiple phases, with priority segments identified for initial implementation.
The Deputy Chief Minister's office has acknowledged receipt of the report and is expected to conduct a thorough review before making any official announcements regarding the project timeline or budgetary allocations.
Urban development experts suggest that while tunnel roads represent a substantial investment, they could provide a more permanent solution compared to other traffic management measures attempted in the past. The project aligns with global urban planning trends where cities increasingly look to underground infrastructure to address space constraints.
As Bengaluru continues to grow as India's premier technology hub, the success of such ambitious infrastructure projects becomes increasingly critical for sustaining economic growth and improving quality of life for residents.
