The proposed tunnel highway undertaking in Bengaluru has taken a key step ahead with Bengaluru Sensible Infrastructure Restricted (B-SMILE) receiving bids from 4 outstanding infrastructure corporations.
Based on officers from B-SMILE, the particular function car overseeing the undertaking, Rail Vikas Nigam Restricted (RVNL), Adani Group, Vishwa Samudra Engineering, and Dilip Buildcon Restricted have submitted bids.
The undertaking, geared toward developing a 16.74-km twin tunnel connecting Esteem Mall Junction at Hebbal to Central Silk Board Junction within the southern a part of Bengaluru, has been probably the most debated city infrastructure proposals lately.
Based on Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who’s eager on implementing the undertaking, this undertaking is predicted to ease visitors congestion throughout key north-south corridors. Nevertheless many have opposed the undertaking and a number of PILs are pending within the Excessive Courtroom of Karnataka and the Nationwide Inexperienced Tribunal.
Deadline extensions
B-SMILE had floated international tenders for the undertaking in July 2025, inviting bids for 2 separate packages. Nevertheless, the the deadline was prolonged a number of occasions as a consequence of restricted curiosity from main corporations. The tender, first issued on July 16, had a submission deadline of September 3. When no important bids have been obtained, the deadline was postponed to September 30, then October 29, and eventually November 11. Officers claimed that every one 4 firms submitted their bids earlier than the ultimate deadline.
Based on the tender notification issued by the Superintending Engineer of B-SMILE, the development interval for the undertaking is about at 50 months, which is equal to 4 years and two months. If executed as deliberate, the tunnel highway may develop into operational by the top of 2029.
The undertaking will observe a Construct, Personal, Function, and Switch (BOOT) mannequin, with a complete concession interval of 34 years, which incorporates the development timeline. The chosen contractor will develop, function, and keep the infrastructure earlier than handing it over to the federal government of Karnataka on the finish of the concession time period.
The dual-tunnel undertaking shall be divided into two packages. Bundle 1 spans 8.748 km from Esteem Mall Junction to Seshadri Street–Race Course Junction, whereas Bundle 2 covers one other 8.748 km stretch between Seshadri Street and Silk Board Junction. Every part will characteristic two tunnels with three lanes every, outfitted with devoted entry and exit ramps to enhance visitors movement.
A minimum of eight Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are anticipated for use within the development.
Different experience
The estimated value for Bundle 1 is ₹8,770 crore, requiring a monetary assure of ₹43.85 crore from the profitable bidder. Bundle 2 has been valued at ₹8,928 crore, with a assure requirement of ₹44.64 crore.
The 4 collaborating corporations convey various experience to the desk. RVNL, a 100% government-owned PSU below the Ministry of Railways, has been increasing past railway initiatives into sectors like highways and energy. Adani Group, a serious Indian conglomerate, has an intensive portfolio in infrastructure growth. Vishwa Samudra Engineering is a multi-disciplinary civil development firm, whereas Dilip Buildcon Restricted is a number one infrastructure developer identified for executing large-scale highway initiatives.
Printed – November 13, 2025 01:42 pm IST