Underground tunnel work in Bengaluru to begin in January: D K Shivakumar

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said that the government is planning to commence work on the underground tunnel project from January 2025.

In an interactive session with students from the BBMP-run schools on the occasion of Children’s Day, Shivakumar said that the tunnel project is necessary as the compensation amount for the properties that need demolition for road-widening has doubled.

He was replying to a question by one of the students seeking solutions to increasing traffic density in the city.

‘Vehicles are increasing’

“Roads are the same, but vehicles are increasing every day despite constructing Metro, ring roads, etc... We are planning to start the tunnel project in the beginning of the next year,” said Shivakumar.

Justifying the tunnel project, the deputy chief minister said, “We are going for underground tunnel mainly because of the increased compensation rates for demolition of buildings in case of road widening, construction of flyover, etc.”

‘Why no guarantee scheme for boys?’

One student stunned Shivakumar by questioning why there were no guarantee schemes for boys, including free travel.

The boy mentioned that his mother takes only his sisters during travel as it is free for them. Shivakumar assured him of discussing the same at the government level to provide free travel for even for boys up to a certain age.

‘Be brave and confident’

Replying to a question on safety and quality education, Shivakumar advised girl students to be brave and confident. “Students should be brave and confident. We are taking all necessary measures to provide quality education in line with private schools affiliated to other Boards,” he added.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa briefed the children about the government’s efforts to provide quality education in association with private parties under Corporate Social Responsibility schemes.

BBMP Commissioner Tushar Girinath and other officials from the BBMP and the School Education department were present during the interaction.