Bengaluru: BDA invites tenders for short tunnel & rotary flyover at Mehkri Circle

Bengaluru: In two years, the traffic on the stretch between Hebbal and Mehkri Circle could come down significantly as the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is aiming to complete the construction of a short tunnel and a rotary flyover to ease the traffic on the stretch.

The BDA has floated tenders for the project that was earlier this month approved by the state cabinet. The project will include a 2.25-km tunnel at the Hebbal Junction and a 1.7-km-long rotary flyover over Mehkri Circle. While the tunnel is expected to cost Rs 1,250 crore, the flyover will cost Rs 405 crore. The project will be completely funded by the BDA.

While the initial plan was only to have a tunnel from Hebbal flyover to Veterinary College via GKVK Campus, the traffic police alerted the BDA that the bottleneck would shift towards Mehkri circle. “Hence, it was decided to introduce a rotary flyover at Mehkri Circle. After the commuters exit from the tunnel towards Mehkri Circle, they can climb the flyover and at the rotary exchange, they can take a left for Jayamahal Road and right for Sadashivanagar,” a senior BDA official explained.

Similarly those travelling towards the airport can also take the flyover and join the tunnel.

According to senior BDA officials, two separate tenders have been called for the tunnel and the flyover to expedite the work. “We want to ensure that the works happen simultaneously. This will help us complete the works at the earliest and also reduce inconvenience to the public,” the official said.

The contractors will be given a two-year deadline to complete the works and the BDA is hoping that the project would be completed by early 2028. “We are hopeful that the works would be completed by January, 2028. However, there are a few challenges. During excavation, if they encounter a hard rock, it might take longer. Also, the tunnel has to pass through the railway line. We will need clearance for that as well,” the official said.