Bengaluru News: Bengaluru residents may soon face a hefty toll of Rs 288 for an 18 km journey along the proposed North-South tunnel road from Hebbal to Silk Board junction, as outlined in the recently released feasibility report by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). This report, prepared by Altinok Consulting Engineering, suggests that the toll fee is significantly higher than what drivers currently pay on the 118 km Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway, where cars, vans and jeeps incur charges of Rs 170 for a single trip and Rs 255 for a round trip.

The proposed tunnel road is part of the Comprehensive Bengaluru City Traffic Management Infrastructure Plan (CBCTMIP) and aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the city. The feasibility study examines various peak hour travel scenarios to assess the impact of the corridor. It presents three scenarios: the first prioritises private car usage, the second balances public transport and private vehicles and the third focuses predominantly on public transport.

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The study reveals that without a toll, traffic would worsen, with increased congestion expected in two sections of the tunnel by 2031. While Scenario 3 predicts the highest number of public transport trips, the report concludes that implementing tolls alongside an intermediate scenario (Scenario 2) is a more viable solution. The average toll price is projected at Rs 16 per kilometre.

According to the report, the total estimated trips for 2031 and 2041 show that Scenario 1, which favours car usage, would result in the highest number of car trips, while Scenario 3 would have the least. Scenario 2 is regarded as a balanced option for further evaluation.

The analysis indicates that if tolls are not implemented, the tunnel could see around 83,000 cars during peak hours by 2031, rising to 97,000 by 2041. Conversely, with tolls, the projected passenger car units (PCU) are much lower, forecasted at 20,325 for 2031, increasing to 26,643 by 2041.

The North-South Corridor, stretching from Hebbal Esteem Mall Junction to Silk Board KSRP Junction, is designed as an underground tunnel featuring three ramps for entry and exit. This alignment aims to connect key areas, including Mekri Circle, Racecourse and Lalbagh, potentially reducing travel time from 90 minutes to just 20 minutes. The estimated cost of constructing the tunnel road is around Rs 15,000 crore. This proposal comes alongside plans for a 58 km metro line linking Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport via Hebbal.

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In addition to the North-South corridor, the report also suggests a double-decker tunnel linking KR Puram and Nayandahalli, featuring three lanes on the lower deck and two on the upper deck. The total length of this east-west corridor project is 28 km.

Urban mobility expert Satya Arikutharam voiced concerns about the proposed toll charges, stating, “It is ironic that while the city is protesting unfair tolls to the airport, the BBMP is pushing for a toll road for intra-city travel. This report overlooks the global trend of prioritising public transport to address climate change. A metro fare from Hebbal to Silk Board would cost around Rs 50-60. The government should reconsider this tunnel project and focus on accelerating metro and suburban rail developments.”