Bengaluru Extends Twin Tunnel Road Bid Deadline Again
Initially, tenders were invited on 16 July, with 3 September set as the final submission date. The project, valued at Rs 176.98 billion, is to be developed under a ‘build-operate-transfer’ (BOOT) model through a special purpose vehicle (SPV), divided into two packages. Once the bids and work order receive approval, the project is expected to commence soon thereafter.
However, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA)’s infrastructure arm, B-SMILE, has now extended the submission deadline three times — from 30 September to 29 October, and again to 11 November. The repeated extensions suggest waning enthusiasm from potential bidders, with some industry observers drawing parallels to the scrapped steel flyover project proposed during Siddaramaiah’s first term (2013–2018).
The tender involves the construction of a three-lane twin tunnel connecting Hebbal Junction and Silk Board Junction (North–South Corridor), aimed at easing Bengaluru’s chronic traffic congestion. According to GBA officials, around 10 agencies, including Tata Projects and the Adani Group, initially expressed interest.
However, the repeated extensions have raised speculation that contractors may be reluctant to participate, fearing potential legal hurdles, public opposition, or project cancellation, especially since public interest litigations (PILs) have already been filed against the plan.
When asked whether the project might meet the same fate as the abandoned Hebbal steel bridge, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed confidence, stating, “Seeing our commitment, people are supporting us. We are confident the project will be implemented.”
The twin tunnel initiative remains one of Bengaluru’s most ambitious urban mobility projects, designed to cut travel time between the city’s north and south corridors while easing pressure on major arterial routes.