Even as discussions around the proposed tunnel road project continue, B-SMILE has moved forward, preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) for 13 elevated corridors in Bengaluru. These corridors will stretch across 126 kilometers and are estimated to cost the government a substantial ₹18,000 crore, translating to approximately ₹142 crore per kilometer.
These elevated corridors represent one of four major infrastructure initiatives the government is pursuing to ease Bengaluru’s severe traffic woes. The other crucial projects include the highly debated tunnel road, the ‘Sancharayuktha’ project focused on building roads along Storm Water Drain (SWD) buffer zones, and the ongoing white-topping of city roads.
The initial proposal, submitted to the government in 2024, outlined 110 kilometers of elevated corridors with an estimated cost of ₹13,200 crore, excluding land acquisition. This latest revision expands the project to 126 kilometers, pushing the estimated cost to ₹18,000 crore, still without factoring in land acquisition. The State government might need to allocate an additional ₹4,500 to ₹5,000 crore specifically for acquiring the necessary land.
B.S. Prahallad, Technical Director at B-SMILE, explained to The Hindu that the decision to increase the corridor length stemmed from higher-than-anticipated traffic densities observed on several routes.
Project Packages and Tendering Process
A B-SMILE document reveals that the extensive construction work has been strategically divided into 13 distinct packages. These include five packages for shorter stretches (0-5 km), three for medium-length sections (5-10 km), and five for longer corridors exceeding 10 km.
Mr. Prahallad stated that B-SMILE intends to construct approximately 72 kilometers, or about 57.14% of the total length, as three-lane corridors, with the remaining 54 kilometers designed as two-lane sections.
The draft DPRs are slated for submission to the government on Tuesday. Following official approval, B-SMILE will initiate the tendering process for all 13 packages, setting a completion deadline of 30 months for the ambitious undertaking.
Furthermore, B-SMILE plans to solicit input from both the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for any potential design modifications, ensuring integrated and effective solutions.
Embracing New Technology for Bengaluru’s Future
Sources within the GBA (Greater Bengaluru Authority, likely implied) indicate that Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) technology will be adopted for the construction of these elevated corridors. This advanced material is expected to deliver enhanced durability, significantly faster construction times, and improved aesthetic appeal for the city’s new infrastructure.
Traditionally, flyover and metro spans typically range from 18 to 25 meters, occasionally extending to 35 meters. However, with the application of UHPC in this project, each individual span will be custom-moulded to lengths of 45 to 50 meters, with a potential maximum of 60 meters. Spans are the primary structural elements that bridge the distance between supporting pillars or piers.
The GBA official highlighted the advantages: “Since each span can be 45 to 50-meters long—nearly twice the typical length used in the city—the entire project can be completed much more quickly. Longer spans also contribute to a more visually appealing structure.”
Funding and Compensation: The PPP Model
While the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model remains the favored funding mechanism, B-SMILE has yet to finalize its specific implementation approach. The ultimate decision will also hinge on whether the government chooses to incorporate toll plazas or opts for toll-free access on the elevated corridors.
The agency is also in the process of finalizing a compensation framework for landowners affected by the project. Options currently under consideration include Transferable Development Rights (TDR), Floor Area Ratio (FAR) benefits, and direct cash compensation.
In related developments, tenders totaling ₹17,698 crore were issued for the Tunnel Road Project in July, and white-topping road works are already in progress. B-SMILE is also preparing to commence work on the Sancharayuktha project soon.
Despite considerable public outcry regarding the potential environmental impact of both the tunnel road and Sancharayuktha projects, the government appears committed to moving forward with these initiatives.
However, public sentiment remains largely negative due to environmental concerns and past experiences with delayed projects. Ranjith Kumar, a resident of Koramangala, voiced his frustration, noting that the Ejipura flyover, for example, remains unfinished almost a decade after its groundbreaking. “There are many flyovers like Ejipura that were launched years ago but are still incomplete. These new elevated corridors are unfortunately likely to face the same fate,” he remarked, reflecting widespread public skepticism.