According to the Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari a detailed project report (DPR) for a new 23.6-km tunnel, expected to reduce the travel time between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, is ready. The Shiradi tunnel road project will cost Rs.100 bn. Reportedly the process for the implementation of this project has begun, and the work is expected to commence soon. The process of land acquisition is progressing and in the next phase, tenders for the projects will be invited. This project is being hailed as a milestone for Karnataka, as it will play an important role in the development of the state.
