Citizen groups in Bengaluru say the government's Hebbal-to-Silk Board tunnel road is a real estate project in disguise [1, 2].
The controversy centers on whether public infrastructure is being used to facilitate private profit. If the allegations are true, the project may prioritize developer gains over urban transit needs.
Bengaluru Praja Vedike (BPV) and other resident groups said the state government plans to allow high-rise construction near the tunnel corridor [1, 2]. These groups allege that the government will permit buildings up to 15 floors in height [2].
According to the citizen groups, this arrangement allows the project concessionaire to earn massive ancillary revenue during the concession period [1]. They estimate that this revenue, which could be given for free to the concessionaire, totals ₹30,000 crore [1].
The groups said the project's primary purpose is being overshadowed by these real estate incentives [1]. By allowing high-density construction along the route, the government effectively turns a transportation corridor into a lucrative land-development venture [2].
Residents have raised concerns about the impact of these high-rises on the surrounding urban environment [2]. The BPV said the focus on ancillary revenue suggests the project is designed to benefit private entities rather than solve the city's traffic congestion [1].
“The Hebbal-to-Silk Board tunnel road is being used as a 'real estate project in disguise'.”
This dispute highlights a growing tension in Indian urban planning between Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and public interest. By tying infrastructure funding to 'ancillary revenue' from land development, governments can reduce immediate costs but risk creating unplanned urban density and transferring public land value to private concessionaires.
