Bengaluru, Sept 25: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the State government after a group of citizens challenged the massive Rs 19,000-crore Bangalore Twin Tunnel Road project. The petitioners, led by 82-year-old Dr. Adikesavalu Ravindra, argue that the government rushed through the tender without proper environmental checks.
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Background
The proposed underground road aims to link Hebbal with Silk Board to ease Bengaluru’s choking traffic. The public interest litigation (PIL) asks the court to cancel every step of the July 14 tender, including bid evaluations and the planned letter of award. It also attacks the feasibility and project reports prepared by private consultants, calling them inconsistent and legally weak.
Petitioners claim the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority wrongly said the project does not require prior environmental clearance. They further demand a detailed mobility plan, cost estimates for land acquisition, and updated drainage and utility maps before any work begins.
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Court’s Observations
Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi, sitting as a division bench, heard arguments in a packed courtroom. When told the government was close to finalising the tender, the bench calmly noted, “Tender they can finalise, there is no question about it.”
The judges also pointed out that the plea reached them rather late. Petitioners’ counsel explained they first had to gather documents through the Right to Information Act. The bench responded that the project itself would stretch over years and added, “This is a long project, there is no urgency. If you are right that there is no impact assessment study, then let them respond on whether they have conducted any studies and whether any studies are necessary, we will examine it.”
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Decision
After hearing both sides briefly, the court issued formal notice to the State government and other respondents, seeking their replies on the environmental and procedural concerns. The matter is now posted for detailed hearing on December 9, with no interim stay on the tender process.
Case: Dr. Adikesavalu Ravindra & Others vs. State of Karnataka & Others
Case No.: W.P. 28664/2025
Next Hearing: 9 December 2025