Karnataka explores tunnel route to improve connectivity to Bengaluru Airport

BENGALURU: Karnataka has engaged a Bulgarian company to explore the possibility of building a tunnel to improve connectivity to the Kempegowda International Airport.

Sofia-headquartered ISA West Consortium on Friday made a detailed presentation to City Development Minister KJ George and other senior officials. The company has offered to cover 70% of the total project cost under public private partnership.

A delegation representing the company explained the proposal of providing tunnels at various points to reach the airport near Devanahalli. This is the second time the company has approached the government with the proposal, after a preliminary meeting that was held in April.

George asked the company to come out with a specific plan for a tunnel between Mekhri Circle and Columbia Asia hospital in Hebbal. Interestingly, this is the route on which the government wanted to build a Rs 1,800 crore steel flyover. The controversial project was dropped earlier this year following public backlash.

The company is expected to conduct a feasibility study so that a clear picture would emerge on implementing the proposal in a phased manner, according to a statement that was issued by George’s office. A three-member committee comprising Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) engineer member PN Nayak, Karnataka Road Development Corporation chief engineer Krishna Reddy and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) chief engineer KT Nagaraj will help the company prepare a feasibility study report.

Infrastructure firm Soma has also approached the government to build road tunnels in the city akin to the ones in Malaysia. The company, which met George in April, has been asked to come out with a trial survey of some roads and submit a report for further consideration.