Bengaluru tunnel road project can't be executed without tolls: DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on July 9 said the proposed Bengaluru tunnel road project cannot be executed without levying tolls.

"“A global tender will be floated in a few days. This project can't be done without tolls - even Airport Road and NICE Road have them," he told reporters.

Responding to JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy's meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding tunnel roads, Shivakumar said: "He's doing empty talk. Let him get funds first."

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The 16.75-km tunnel, initially proposed with a toll of Rs 16 per km, is now estimated at Rs 19 per km as per the detailed project report - meaning a one-way trip could cost up to Rs 318.

The Rs 17,780-crore project will be implemented under a modified Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, with the government contributing 40 percent of the cost and the remaining 60 percent to be borne by the selected construction firm.

Asked about Cabinet expansion, Shivakumar said, "There’s no such discussion now. We’re here to discuss development works. Some road-widening projects in Bengaluru require defence land, and we’re meeting the Defence Minister in that regard."