Govt looking into feasibility of rerouting tunnel to bypass Lalbagh: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar

Civil society groups and BJP MPs from the city campaigned against the alienation of the Lalbagh land. | Photo credit: File photo

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has hinted at a possible change in the alignment of the tunnel road project around Lalbagh following fierce opposition to the project, which occupies the botanical garden land.

He told reporters on Wednesday (September 9) night, “I have discussed the matter with Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to look at the feasibility of alternatives to the Lalbagh land for the tunnel road project.”

Mr. Gowda confirmed that the Chief Minister has asked them to look at alternative options and that they are being explored.

This comes on the heels of the Karnataka Cabinet on September 3 deciding to withdraw the controversial Karnataka State Parks (Conservation) (Amendment) Act, 2026, which allowed the government to alienate 5% of park land for public purposes, passed in both houses of the Karnataka legislature. The tunnel journey requires six acres of Lalbagh land temporarily and one acre permanently.

Civil society groups and BJP MPs from the city campaigned against the alienation of the Lalbagh land.

Announcing the decision to withdraw the bill, Mr. Shivakumar then said that the bill would be re-introduced in the legislature and brought up for broad public debate. However, a few days later, the Chief Minister has now hinted at changing the route of the tunnel road to avoid Lalbagh altogether.

Senior officials said the larger project is important and that having citizens on board is key. However, they said they have yet to look at the feasibility of alternatives, and that is still at a very early stage.

Civil society is against the project

Bengaluru Praja Vedike’s NS Mukunda, one of the petitioners challenging the tunnel road project, said damage to Lalbagh was only one of the reasons for challenging the project and he would not back down from the fight until the entire project is scrapped. “The project is extremely expensive, it serves a small part of car users, although the public transport infrastructure needs more investment. Moreover, the project will not solve the traffic jams. There are also several legal violations,” he argued.

Hearing a series of three PILs, including one filed by Mr. Mukunda, the Karnataka High Court on July 16, 2026 ordered that any contract for the project would be subject to the outcome of the petitions, essentially putting the project on hold.

Meanwhile, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, which emerged as the lowest bidder for the project, challenged Mr. Shivakumar on August 23, 2026.

Published – September 9, 2026 10:56 PM IST