The meeting between Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in Bengaluru on August 23 came into focus amid Adani Enterprises emerging as the lowest bidder for the proposed 16.75-km Bengaluru Tunnel Road project. Although Shivakumar described the interaction as a courtesy meeting and said no specific issues were discussed, the timing drew attention because Adani Enterprises had submitted a ₹22,267 crore bid for the project, significantly above the Karnataka government’s initial cost estimate of ₹17,698 crore. The proposed tunnel, planned to connect Hebbal in north Bengaluru with Silk Board in the south, is being pursued under a public-private partnership model, with the state expected to contribute 40% of the estimated project cost. The meeting also comes against the backdrop of political opposition to the tunnel project, with BJP leaders questioning the Congress government’s engagement with the Adani Group and raising concerns over the project’s cost, financial viability and potential toll burden on motorists.
Key points discussed around the meeting
- Adani Enterprises’ tunnel road bid: The company emerged as the lowest bidder for Bengaluru’s proposed 16.75-km underground tunnel corridor with a ₹22,267 crore bid.
- Cost difference: The bid is considerably higher than the Karnataka government’s initial estimated project cost of ₹17,698 crore.
- PPP model: The project is proposed under a public-private partnership, with the Karnataka government expected to fund 40% of the estimated cost.
- Project objective: The tunnel is intended to ease congestion along one of Bengaluru’s busiest north-south routes, connecting Hebbal and Silk Board.
- Tender status: Despite Adani Enterprises emerging as the lowest bidder, the tender has not yet been officially finalised.
- Shivakumar’s explanation: The chief minister termed the interaction a courtesy call and said no specific business or project discussions took place during the meeting.
- Adani’s Karnataka presence: Shivakumar noted that the Adani Group already has several business interests and projects in the state.
- Political reaction: BJP leaders criticised the meeting, questioning the Congress government’s approach towards the Adani Group in Karnataka.
- Tunnel road opposition: BJP leaders, including Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, have opposed the tunnel project and raised questions over its feasibility and financial implications.
- Public concerns: Citizen groups have also questioned the project’s utility, financial viability and the possible toll burden on motorists.
- Congress-BJP controversy: BJP leader R Ashoka alleged a contrast between the Congress’s criticism of Adani at the national level and its engagement with the group in Karnataka.
