‘Without toll, no tunnel road’: DK Shivakumar affirms global tender for 16.6 km Hebbal–Silk Board tunnel under BOOT model

On July 9, 2025, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, also Bengaluru’s development minister, reaffirmed a central tenet of the proposed 16.6 km tunnel road between Hebbal and Silk Board Junction: “Without a toll, no tunnel road will work.” He clarified that the tunnel won’t proceed without toll revenue, a position bolstered by approvals under the Build‑Own‑Operate‑Transfer (BOOT) framework  .

Cabinet Approval & BOOT Model

In June, the Karnataka Cabinet approved not one but two major tunnel corridors for Bengaluru under BOOT, allowing private developers to build, operate, and later transfer them back, recouping investments via tolls over 30 years . The North–South corridor (Hebbal to Silk Board) is estimated at ₹17,780–18,000 crore ().

Tender Roll‑out & Timeline

Shivakumar stated that global tender notices would be issued through newspapers within two to three days . The project is currently in the procurement stage, aligning with the Cabinet’s roadmap to finalize the BOOT or hybrid model for construction ().

Why Toll Is Essential

Per the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the tunnel will drastically cut down travel time—from roughly 90 minutes to 45 minutes . The projected car toll stands at ₹330 for the full stretch, with vehicle-specific rates calibrated using a 5% annual increase based on the Wholesale Price Index, capped at 40% .

Network of Corridors & Integrations

The DPR also outlines other corridors: Hebbal–Sarjapur (₹320), Hebbal–Hosur (₹250), and Hebbal–Seshadri Road (₹180) . An entry/exit ramp network at Mekkri Circle, Race Course, and Lalbagh is planned for the main tunnel .

Complementary Infrastructure & Land Acquisition

Deputy CM Shivakumar is coordinating with the Defence Ministry for land transfers in Hebbal to facilitate tunnel ramps and expansions near the Hebbal Defence Dairy Farm . In parallel, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s delegation is pressing Union Minister Rajnath Singh for defence land allocation for this tunnel and other metro developments .

Political Context & Contesting Proposals

Meanwhile, Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has proposed an Ultra‑Modern Underground Road Network (UMURN). A turf battle has ensued, with BJP and experts warning of potential environmental consequences—complicating the strategic debate . Shivakumar, however, emphasizes that tangible tenders and toll‑integrated models are already in motion.

Key Benefits

• Time savings: halving commute time on a critical 16.6 km stretch.

• Reduced congestion: bypassing over 25 traffic choke-points  .

• Public–private synergy: BOOT offers a sustainable funding solution.

Looking Ahead

With Cabinet green lights, land negotiations ongoing, and tenders imminent, the Hebbal–Silk Board tunnel has become a tangible infrastructure milestone. Its success, however, depends on robust tolls, timely approvals, and effective execution under private sector collaboration.

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