A recent study from IISc casts doubt on the proposed tunnel project, indicating that an underground Metro system could prove far more economical
BENGALURU: An IISc study has raised serious questions over construction of 2-km, six-lane tunnel from Esteem Mall to Veterinary College via the Hebbal flyover junction, saying it could shift congestion rather than solve it. It said an underground Metro would be substantially more viable in terms of cost, provide greater network-wide relief and be far cheaper, costing 0.86 per passenger compared with 5.23 for the tunnel. ‘Project benefits are limited’ Assessing scenarios for 2027, 2031 and 2041, the IISc Sustainability Lab study found that while the tunnel may ease traffic at Hebbal Junction, congestion would persist on entry and exit roads near Esteem Mall and the Veterinary College, limiting its benefits. It said the DPR’s traffic analysis artificially inflates congestion and relies on arbitrary diversion estimates of 50% to 80%, using deflated design capacities rather than standard empirical methods.
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Lab convener Ashish Verma said the study report has been submitted to the Karnataka governor. Open-cut work may jeopardise flyover piers, says study Given the limited soil support between the lake boundary and flyover pier, there is a high likelihood that the open-and-cut section may compromise the foundations of the existing flyover piers, rendering them unserviceable. This crucial aspect is not addressed in the DPR’s geotechnical analysis,” the study said. It said alternatives should be compared based on project costs and social benefits, with the option offering the best benefit-to-cost ratio selected.
The study highlighted various discrepancies in the detailed project report (DPR). The study recommended MRTS to reduce traffic volumes and congestion for longer periods instead of merely increasing road capacity. Download the TOI App.
Bengaluru Development Authority has started construction of the 1,139-crore cut-and-cover tunnel road project, which has been mired in controversy. Activists have raised concerns over potential impact on Hebbal Lake and hundreds of trees.