Karnataka CM hints at realigning tunnel road to spare Lalbagh

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has indicated that the state government is examining the feasibility of changing the tunnel road alignment to bypass Lalbagh, following sustained opposition to the project's use of the botanical garden's land.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday night, Mr. Shivakumar said he had discussed the matter with Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who confirmed that alternate options are being explored.

The development comes days after the state Cabinet decided to withdraw the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which would have allowed alienation of up to 5% of park land for public purposes. The tunnel project requires six acres of Lalbagh land temporarily and one acre permanently.

Civil society groups and city BJP MPs had campaigned against the land alienation. When announcing the Bill's withdrawal, the Chief Minister had said it would be reintroduced after wider public debate. His latest remarks suggest the government may now consider a route that avoids Lalbagh entirely.

Senior officials noted that while the project is important, it is crucial to have citizens on board. They added that the feasibility study of alternatives is at a very early stage.

N.S. Mukunda of Bengaluru Praja Vedike, a petitioner against the project, said damage to Lalbagh is only one of several grounds for opposition. He argued the project is excessively costly, serves a small section of car users, and will not resolve traffic congestion, while also pointing to alleged statutory violations.

The High Court of Karnataka, hearing a batch of PILs on July 16, 2026, directed that any contract for the project would be subject to the outcome of the petitions, effectively staying it. Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, whose firm is the lowest bidder, met Mr. Shivakumar on August 23.