Karnataka Plans 40-km Tunnels And 500-km Metro To Ease Bengaluru Traffic

14 Jul 2026 CW Team

Karnataka's chief minister D K Shivakumar said the state will invest around Rs 1.5 tn (trillion, tn) in Bengaluru infrastructure and will permit higher urban density by allowing double floor area ratio (FAR) in tier-two and tier-three cities. He said the measures form part of a strategy to tackle traffic congestion and high office rents while encouraging industrial growth outside the capital. The announcement was made at an event organised by the Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology with global capability centre leaders in attendance.

He noted that the government has prioritised smooth traffic flow and has already planned 350 km of metro connectivity, with the aim to extend it to 500 km by next year. He added that about 30,000 new vehicles are being registered in Bengaluru per month, a trend that has driven the emphasis on mass transit expansion. The metro extension is presented as central to reducing road congestion and improving commutes.

He outlined a mix of road and elevated projects intended to relieve bottlenecks, citing a small tunnel road near Hebbal and a proposed 40-km tunnel road that will be considered by the cabinet. He said the administration has planned a 44-km double-decker flyover, a 133-km flyover programme and a 123-km Bengaluru Business Corridor as part of a wider mobility package. Orders and further approvals were indicated as forthcoming.

He emphasised that office rents are significantly lower in tier-two cities and that doubling the FAR there will unlock high-rise construction and help decentralise commercial activity. He said the government will provide discounted land to attract industries to tier-two and tier-three locations and support the establishment of new centres. Officials indicated the measures aim to spread economic growth and reduce pressure on Bengaluru's real estate and transport systems.

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