The proposed $2 billion road tunnel project for South Bengaluru is attracting further controversy. The 17km route runs underneath the historic Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, a serious cause for concern. Some believe that the 15m diameter tunnels, around 50-100m underground, could pose an environmental threat to the sensitive ecosystem of the famous gardens. There are concerns too that construction work could also cause issues for the Lalbagh Rok, a Peninsular Gneiss National Geological Monument.
However, there are further issues over the project. Local politicians have pointed out that the tunnel construction will be costly and is more expensive than other tunnel projects underway in India. The politicians have also questioned the traffic reduction benefits for the city that the tunnel will deliver and whether these will offer a good return on investment.
