Karnataka government explores tunnel road

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has directed officials to examine alternative routes for a major tunnel road project to avoid acquiring land from Lalbagh botanical garden. The move comes after significant public opposition to the initial plan, which required seven acres from the historic park.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, September 9, Shivakumar stated he had discussed the issue with Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. "I have discussed the issue with Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to look at the feasibility of alternatives to Lalbagh land for the tunnel road project," the Chief Minister said. Minister Gowda confirmed the instruction and said options were being explored.

Bill withdrawal precedes new plan

This development follows the state cabinet's decision on September 3 to withdraw the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026. That bill, which had been passed by the legislature, would have permitted the government to alienate 5% of park lands for public purposes. It was intended to help the tunnel road project, which required six acres of Lalbagh land temporarily and one acre permanently. Civil society groups and local BJP MPs led a campaign against the land alienation.

When announcing the bill's withdrawal, Shivakumar had said it would be reintroduced later for wider public debate. However, the new focus is on altering the project's alignment to bypass Lalbagh entirely. Senior officials, quoted by The Hindu, acknowledged the project's importance but stressed the need for public support. They noted that studying the feasibility of alternatives was still at a very early stage.

Legal and civil society challenges

The project faces legal hurdles. The High Court of Karnataka, hearing three public interest litigations on July 16, 2026, directed that any project contract would be subject to the petitions' outcome. This effectively stays the project. One petitioner is N.S. Mukunda of the Bengaluru Praja Vedike.

Mukunda argues that damage to Lalbagh is only one objection. He contends the project should be scrapped entirely. "The project is extraordinarily costly, serving a small section of car users, even as public transport infrastructure needs more investment," he said. He also claimed the project would not resolve traffic congestion and involved several statutory violations.

Project's commercial context

The Adani Group has emerged as the lowest bidder for the tunnel road project. Gautam Adani, the group's Chairman, met with Chief Minister Shivakumar on August 23, 2026. The government's current review of the alignment introduces new uncertainty into the procurement process, which remains contingent on the ongoing court proceedings.