Government is looking at feasibility of tunnel road alignment change to bypass Lalbagh: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is exploring alternative alignments for a proposed tunnel road project to avoid encroaching on Lalbagh botanical garden. This follows public outcry and the government's recent decision to withdraw a controversial bill regarding park land usage.
Why it matters
The project highlights the ongoing tension between urban infrastructure development and the preservation of public green spaces in rapidly growing cities like Bengaluru.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar hinted at possible change in alignment of the tunnel road project around Lalbagh following the virulent opposition to the project taking up the botanical garden’s land.
Speaking to media persons on Wednesday (September 9) night, he said, “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.”
Mr. Gowda confirmed that the Chief Minister had asked them to look at alternate options and they were being explored.
This comes close on the heels of the Karnataka Cabinet on September 3 deciding to withdraw the controversial Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which allowed the government to alienate 5% of park lands for public purposes, passed in both houses of the Karnataka legislature. The tunnel road requires six acres of Lalbagh land temporarily and one acre permanently.
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