The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the construction of an 18.5 km long tunnel road and a 250 feet high skydeck project in the state capital Bengaluru, at an estimated cost of Rs 12,690 crore and Rs 500 crore respectively.

The Karnataka government has approved two major projects in the state capital Bengaluru, an 18.5 km long tunnel road and a 250 feet high skydeck project, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 12,690 crore and Rs 500 crore respectively. .

The state cabinet headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gave administrative approval to both the projects including the 18.5 km long tunnel road from Hebbal to Central Silk Board Junction on Hosur Road in Bengaluru.

According to the Cabinet note, the original proposal was for a twin-tube underground tunnel and initially, 11 high-density corridors were identified and an estimated 191 km tunnel road was planned at a cost of Rs 30,000 crore.

The tunnel road project will be implemented in phases and Esteem Mall from Hebbal to Central Silk Board Junction will be constructed in phase 1.

An official said that the Bengaluru Skydeck will offer people a panoramic view of the city and the structure will have stores, restaurants and parking zones, which will boost tourism in the Karnataka capital.

Speaking to reporters, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil disclosed that the government is yet to finalize any agency to implement the project and the tenders will be issued only after the DPR is prepared and sent to the technical committee.

“After administrative approval, a detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared and sent to the technical committee. After that the tender process will be started. It will be placed before the Cabinet again,” said Patil, adding that the tunnel road is a “dream project” of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is also Bengaluru's Development Minister.

Talking about the Bengaluru Skydeck project, the minister said that the site for the 250-feet tall structure has not yet been decided as the DPR has not been prepared.

“The site of the Skydeck project was not discussed in the cabinet meeting as the DPR year is not ready,” he said.

(with input from agencies)