The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) aims to complete tunneling for an 18 km underground road between Hebbal and Silk Board Junction in three years, with an additional 12 months for road and operational works. The detailed project report (DPR), prepared by Rodic Consultants for Rs 950 million, has been submitted, with minor revisions underway.
The DPR recommends deploying six tunnel boring machines (TBMs), each capable of cutting 1.2 km annually, to tunnel at a depth of over 33 meters. This would enable 7.2 km of tunneling per year, meeting the 36-month timeline. However, BBMP officials acknowledge the challenges in procuring and deploying TBMs. Altinok consultancy has prepared the traffic management plan as part of the pre-feasibility study. Tenders for civic works are expected in January 2025.