China-made tunnel boring machines to aid tunnel road

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

The Bruhat Bengaluru MahanagaraPalike (BBMP) plans to use Chinese-made tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for the construction of a six-lane tunnel road from Hebbal to Silk Board. This ambitious project aims to ease traffic congestion with tenders set to be opened by January, with a significantly higher projected budget than originally estimated. The tunnel will feature two dedicated lanes for BMTC electric buses and will also include commercial spaces like retail outlets, shopping malls, and multi-level parking to ensure its financial viability. The cost, originally estimated at ?450 crore per kilometer, has now increased to ?600 crore-?750 crore per kilometer afterdue to the finalized Detailed Project Report (DPR).

The project will require the acquisition of 56 acres of land, with half of it dedicated to redevelopment and beautification around tunnel entrances. BBMP officials stated that the project will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with 70% of the funding from private contractors and the remaining 30% sourced from financial institutions.

Opting for Chinese TBMs is expected to cut costs by 10% compared to European machines. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasized on the aim to implement global standards in tunnel construction, with work set to begin in six months. The project will have multiple entry and exit points, including key locations such as Hebbal Lake, Mekhri Circle, and Lalbagh.