Environmentalists and urban planners are questioning the necessity of the ₹1,140-crore Hebbal Short Tunnel, citing the loss of 893 trees and encroachment on 3.5 acres of Hebbal Lake.
- Project cost stands at ₹1,140 crore, requiring the removal of 893 trees.
- Tunnel length (2.2 km) exceeds the surface road distance (1.8 km), defying standard engineering logic.
- Significant threat to the biodiversity of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) campus.
The proposed Hebbal Short Tunnel Project, designed to alleviate chronic congestion at one of Bengaluru's most notorious bottlenecks, has come under intense scrutiny. During a panel discussion hosted by the Hebbal Nature Society at Kadhaigal bookstore, a coalition of environmentalists and urban planners questioned whether the project is a viable solution or an ecological blunder.
A primary point of contention is the fundamental logic of the tunnel. Rajkumar Dugar, founder of Citizens for Citizens, highlighted a glaring discrepancy: the proposed tunnel spans 2.2 km, whereas the existing surface road is only 1.8 km. Typically, tunnels are constructed to shorten travel distances or bypass impassable terrain—neither of which applies here, rendering the project's premise questionable.
BozokMedia analysis shows that this project exemplifies a 'concrete-first' approach to urban planning that ignores systemic failures in public transit. By prioritizing private vehicle flow over ecological preservation, the city risks permanent damage to its 'blue-green' infrastructure, which is critical for climate resilience in an increasingly warming urban landscape.
The hydrological impact is equally concerning. Shashank Palur of WELL Labs emphasized that Bengaluru's lakes function as a cascading system. The appropriation of 3.5 acres of Hebbal Lake could disrupt this delicate flow, potentially exacerbating flooding in areas like Manyata Tech Park and negatively impacting the groundwater levels of Nagawara Lake.
"Tree transplantation is often used as a political shield for deforestation; in reality, the success rate is abysmal and cannot replace an established ecosystem."
The biological cost is further underscored by ecologist Hareesha A.S., who pointed to the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) campus. As one of the last remaining diverse green spaces in North Bengaluru, the campus hosts a rare mix of woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. The planned removal of 893 trees threatens to erase this biodiversity hotspot.
Beyond the environment, safety and health concerns were raised regarding the tunnel's design. With four sharp curves and potential ventilation failures leading to concentrated air pollution, the project's safety profile remains opaque. Moreover, critics noted that the project lacks the necessary approval from the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA).
The discussion concluded with a call to shift focus toward improving public transport and last-mile connectivity. Participants argued that filling gaps in bus networks would reduce the dependency on private cars more effectively than constructing a costly, ecologically damaging tunnel.
Q1: What is the total cost of the Hebbal Short Tunnel project?
A: The proposed project has an estimated cost of ₹1,140 crore.
Q2: Why is the tunnel's length a point of controversy?
A: Because the tunnel (2.2 km) is actually longer than the surface road (1.8 km) it aims to replace, contradicting the usual purpose of building tunnels.
