The Karnataka BJP, spearheaded by Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, launched a powerful campaign on Sunday, November 2, 2025, against the contentious Tunnel Road project. The movement, aptly named “Save Lalbagh, Protect Bengaluru,” highlights growing public and political dissent.
Ashoka didn’t mince words, accusing the project of being a mere fundraising scheme for upcoming elections in Bihar and Tamil Nadu. He further slammed the proposed route as an exclusive ‘VIP lane.’ While emphasizing that the BJP supports development, he firmly stated their opposition to what he termed an ‘unscientific project.’ He implored the Deputy Chief Minister to scrap the plan entirely and instead prioritize expanding and accelerating Bengaluru’s Metro network, which he believes offers a genuine solution to the city’s notorious traffic woes.
“The Metro can transport a staggering 60,000 people simultaneously, a stark contrast to the tunnel’s capacity of only 19,000 cars,” Ashoka pointed out. “For us, efficient Metro services and robust public transport are the ultimate solutions. Research consistently shows a reduction in traffic congestion in areas served by the Metro. They should be concentrating their efforts there.”
Notably, the BJP’s campaign, led by R. Ashoka, attracted a significantly larger turnout than Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ initiative, signaling considerable public support for the opposition’s stance.
In addition to the protest, the BJP launched a public signature campaign opposing the Tunnel Road. Hundreds converged at the iconic Lalbagh hill, where Ashoka addressed the gathering following his inspection of the botanical garden.
Despite the tenders for the project being floated back in July, the BJP had remained relatively quiet on the issue until recently. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya had been a lone, vocal critic, frequently clashing with Deputy CM Shivakumar over the project. After Shivakumar publicly dismissed Surya as ‘childish’ and ‘waste material’ last week, Ashoka swiftly came to Surya’s defense, announcing the silent protest at Lalbagh.
Financial Strain and Questionable Costs
Ashoka highlighted the alarming financial implications, stating that Bengaluru’s annual tax revenue is ₹4,000 crore, yet the tunnel project is projected to cost four times that amount, necessitating an ₹8,000 crore loan. He warned that this venture would deplete crucial advertisement revenues and potentially force the sale of city properties. The Hindu had previously reported in September that BSMILE had agreed to redirect all advertisement income to HUDCO to secure the project loan.
The Opposition Leader further argued that Karnataka is already grappling with financial difficulties due to the Congress government’s existing guarantee schemes, and embarking on this project would plunge the state into even deeper debt.
Adding to his critique, Ashoka drew attention to the exorbitant toll fees for the tunnel road, estimated at ₹600 per trip, which translates to approximately ₹20,000 monthly for daily commuters. “For that kind of money,” he quipped, “one could afford an expensive car or even a 3BHK villa on EMI.” He underscored the disconnect, stating that with 90% of Bengaluru’s population being middle-class and 70% of vehicles being two-wheelers, a car-only tunnel is inherently ‘unscientific’ and caters exclusively to a privileged few.
He concluded this section by alleging that the Congress government is pushing for the tunnel project primarily because, unlike the transparent Metro works, it presents ample opportunities for illicit commissions.
Critique of Civic Administration’s Competence
Ashoka sharply criticized the city’s civic administration, mockingly stating, “Bengaluru boasts nearly 25,000 potholes, an almost world-record figure. They can’t even fill those, yet they aspire to build a tunnel.”
He highlighted the protracted construction of the Ejipura flyover, which has dragged on for nearly a decade, and noted that around 50 other flyovers and underpasses remain unfinished. “How do they expect to complete a tunnel road?” he questioned facetiously. “Our generation certainly won’t see it; perhaps our great-grandchildren will.”
“Instead of this,” Ashoka challenged, “why not build a tunnel to ‘Chandraloka’ (the moon)? Only undertake this project if you can genuinely guarantee it will resolve Bengaluru’s traffic crisis.”
Threat to Green Spaces
Ashoka further accused the government of deliberately targeting vital public spaces like Sankey Tank, Lalbagh, and Krishna Rao Park, asserting that this choice stems from the high cost and logistical complexities of acquiring private land.
“Lalbagh is a cherished botanical haven, and Sankey Tank serves as an everyday respite for the public. They simply cannot destroy these invaluable spaces,” he declared.
He also highlighted the hypocrisy, noting that the Congress government had previously opposed road widening near Sankey Tank, yet now plans a tunnel in the same vicinity. He revealed that the project requires approvals from a staggering 120 government departments, none of which have been secured, despite tenders having already been floated.
Ineffective and Lacking Scientific Basis
Adding to the chorus of criticism, MP Tejasvi Surya reiterated that the project is unscientific and utterly incapable of resolving Bengaluru’s severe traffic congestion. He cited the Detailed Project Report (DPR) itself, which shockingly predicts an additional 22 choke points at the tunnel’s entry and exit ramps. Surya also emphasized that the project is being railroaded without essential public consultation, proper environmental impact assessments, or the legally required geological studies.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar Responds
In response to the mounting allegations, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar announced his readiness to establish a committee, led by Opposition Leader R. Ashoka, to thoroughly review and propose solutions for the Bengaluru tunnel road project.
“We have already conducted extensive studies on the tunnel road,” Shivakumar asserted. “I am not so foolish as to destroy Lalbagh. I am well aware of its history and which areas of the park are utilized or not. The BJP, it seems, opposes every development initiative; they even opposed the steel bridge during K.J. George’s tenure. Nevertheless, I am prepared to form a committee under Ashoka’s leadership to study the tunnel road project.”