BJP Accuses Karnataka Govt of Building Bengaluru Tunnel to Benefit Real Estate Mafia

Bengaluru, Oct 27 (IANS) The BJP has leveled serious accusations against the Karnataka government over the ambitious tunnel project designed to reduce travel time between Bengaluru’s northern and southern parts. The state BJP claims that the tunnel road is being built to please the real estate mafia, rather than to ease traffic congestion.

The Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, stated on Monday, “The real intention behind Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s so-called Bengaluru Tunnel Road is finally clear – not to ease traffic, but to please the real estate mafia.” Ashoka further alleged that the Congress-led government in Karnataka has lifted Floor Space Index (FSI) limits and opened up Bengaluru’s most precious green and sensitive zones, including Lalbagh, Race Course, Palace Grounds, and Hebbal, for commercial exploitation.

“Instead of protecting Bengaluru’s lungs, they are auctioning them. Instead of reducing congestion, they are preparing to build glass towers and choke the city further. This is not urban planning – it’s urban looting under the guise of infrastructure,” Ashoka professed.

The Karnataka government has approved a Rs 17,780 crore project to build a 16-kilometre road tunnel under Bengaluru. The project aims to reduce travel time between the city’s northern and southern parts and will be executed in two phases. Once completed, it will be the country’s longest road tunnel. Despite opposition from some citizen groups and transport experts, the government plans to invite a global tender for the project soon.

High-rise buildings with a minimum of 15 floors are expected to come up in some of Bengaluru’s most sensitive green zones. The state government has offered relaxations in building norms to attract private builders for the proposed tunnel road between Hebbal and Silk Board Junction.

Ashoka also charged the government with underutilization of sanctioned funds, slamming, “Even after six months of the 2025–26 financial year have passed, only 30 per cent of the allocated funds have been utilized — a clear reflection of how the administrative machinery in Karnataka has come to a complete standstill.”

“Among the worst performers are the departments handled by Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR), IT and Biotechnology (IT-BT) Priyank Kharge, who spends most of his time chanting Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and making controversial statements. The RDPR Department has utilized only 11.02 per cent of its funds, while the IT-BT Department has used just 10.86 per cent. His recent anger seems less about performance and more about a hidden malicious intent,” Ashoka criticized.

Ashoka chided, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, before worrying about who his successor will be or who will lead the Ahinda movement, should first ask himself when the funds announced in the budget will actually be released — and when they will be spent for public welfare and development.”

Ahinda is a socio-political term in Karnataka that stands for Alpasankhyataru, Hindulidavaru, and Dalitaru — meaning Minorities, Backward Classes, and Dalits.