Expert committee finds major gaps in Bengaluru tunnel road project report
Bengaluru: A key initiative of Bengaluru’s proposed tunnel road project, backed by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has been called into question after a government-appointed expert committee identified serious flaws in its Detailed Project Report (DPR). The panel, constituted by the Karnataka Urban Development Department, said the DPR appeared to have been prepared hastily, with inadequate data and insufficient technical assessment.
Headed by Siddanagouda Hegaraddi, Executive Director (Civil) of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the committee observed that the DPR relied on just four soil test points for planning the tunnel, according to a report published by The Hindu. The soil tests conducted are carried out in insufficient number for a project of this magnitude, as per the report. It also advised that the decision to locate one of the tunnel shafts inside the Lalbagh Botanical Garden be reconsidered, citing the ecological sensitivity of the area.
The report also pointed out major deficiencies in the traffic study and noted that the proposed tunnel would run almost parallel to the planned Namma Metro line along Bengaluru’s north-south corridor. The committee said that the justification for such an expensive infrastructure project could not be verified, without credible data on how many people would shift from private vehicles to public transport. It pointed out that, making its assumptions difficult to substantiate, the DPR did not include reliable peak-hour traffic data, modal share, or future projections.
The committee described the traffic studies as weak and noted that they were based on secondary information and assumptions and no field surveys were carried out to collect primary data. The committee further found that critical technical facts about mode-specific commuter distribution, predicted changes to BMTC buses, metro and suburban rail, and estimated lane requirements were missing from the study.
The DPR also lacked critical documents and studies about land acquisition plans, utility and tree relocation details, environmental and social impact assessments, disaster management and security plans, and pavement and drainage designs, according to the panel.
The committee observed inconsistencies in the proposed lane configuration. The DPR projected traffic demand only up to 2041, while it proposed a six-lane design intended for a 25-year horizon. The committee recommended either extending the projection period or adjusting the lane plan to match the available data.
The panel further cautioned that the placement of entry and exit ramps could worsen surface congestion, especially where tunnel traffic merges with existing junctions. It advised a minimum two-lane design for ramps and improvements in layout near Palace Grounds and Mehkri Circle.
Urban mobility expert Sathya Arikutharam, who compared the findings of the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) and the Urban Development Department’s expert panel, said both reached similar conclusions, that the tunnel project lacked a sound transport or environmental basis. He noted that DULT’s review in November 2024 had already warned that the proposed alignment did not align with the city’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan or Climate Action Plan. He had also advised exploring shorter tunnel segments instead.
The report also stated that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) proceeded with commissioning the DPR before the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) completed its review and ignored the warnings. Both DULT and the expert committee found that no primary traffic data or real-time surveys had been conducted.
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Indian Coast Guard to observe 50th Raising Day on Feb 1
New Delhi (PTI): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG),established in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, has evolved into a "formidable maritime force" comprising 155 ships and 80 aircrafts, officials said on Saturday.
The ICG will observe its 50th Raising Day with an event here on Sunday, marking five decades of dedicated, selfless service to the nation, they said.
Raised on February 1, 1977, the ICG was envisioned to address emerging maritime challenges and safeguard India's expanding marine interests.
"From its humble beginnings in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, the ICG has evolved into a formidable maritime force comprising 155 ships and 80 aircrafts today," the ICG said.
By 2030, the ICG is "poised to achieve its target force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircrafts, firmly establishing itself among the world's premier coast guard services," it said.
Since its inception, the organisation has "rescued over 11,800 lives", forging a legacy defined by compassion and courage, earning recognition as the enduring 'Saviours at Sea', a senior ICG official said.
Headquartered in Delhi, the force maintains vigil over 20.1 lakh sq km of India's Exclusive Economic Zone and 11,098.01 km of coastline, the ICG said in a statement.
From modest origins, it has grown into a powerful, versatile, and highly respected force entrusted with maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and humanitarian aid, officials said.
From close coordination with the Indian Navy during Operation Sindoor to daring rescue operations in Lakshadweep and the firm handling of three major maritime incidents off the Kerala coast in recent months, the ICG has demonstrated preparedness across the full spectrum of maritime contingencies, they said.
With extensive deployment of ships and aircrafts, coupled with high-tech electronic surveillance, the Coast Guard's persistent presence at sea reassures the maritime community and deters transgressions, they added.
Aligned with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', the ICG is steadily moving towards self-reliance through induction of indigenously-built ships, aircrafts, helicopters, and advanced surveillance systems, while simultaneously prioritising infrastructure development and personnel welfare, the statement said.
The ICG said it also "remains firmly committed to gender neutrality and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for women across seagoing, aviation, and shore-based roles, and fostering a professional environment defined by respect, merit, and mutual trust".
Guided by the prime minister's vision of 'Amrit Kaal' and anchored in the doctrines of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the ICG forms a key pillar of India's maritime resurgence, promoting security, growth, cooperation, and collective prosperity across the oceans, it said.
In this evolving era, India's seas are not merely frontiers to be guarded, but "pathways of partnership, progress, and shared destiny", the ICG added.
On the global stage, the ICG strengthens maritime partnerships through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and capacity-building initiatives, the force said, adding that the unanimous decision to hand over presidency of 50th Coast Guard Global Summit to ICG in 2025 stands as a recognition of India's growing maritime leadership.
Ahead of the 50th Raising Day, the President of India, the vice-president, prime minister, and the defence minister, have extended regards to all ranks of the ICG, commending its remarkable achievements and acknowledging its vital role in safeguarding India's maritime interests, it said.
