The executive summary of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) presented an analysis to understand traffic characteristics between Malegaon and Nashik cities in Maharashtra. However, this incorrect reference raised concerns, as the report was meant to assess traffic volumes on Malur Road, Guttahalli Main Road, and NR Road for a study involving nine cordon points across an 18-kilometer tunnel connecting Hebbal Esteem Mall junction to Silk Board KSRP junction.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) imposed a penalty of Rs 0.5 million on Rodic Consultants, a New Delhi-based firm responsible for preparing the DPR, citing flaws in the compilation of its executive summary. The consultancy had received a contract worth Rs 90.5 million for the project.

BBMP clarified that the error was not present in the original draft DPR but emerged during the compilation of the executive summary by Rodic Consultants. BS Prahallad, Engineer-in-Chief, BBMP, mentioned that the consultants acknowledged the mistake and apologized for it. He noted that the discrepancy between the draft report and the executive summary was taken seriously, leading to the financial penalty. The BBMP emphasised its intent to encourage more constructive public engagement.

The DPR faced criticism from activists and civic groups, who accused it of being a "copy-paste" document due to the mistaken references to Malegaon and Nashik. Questions were also raised about the feasibility of finalizing such a large-scale project report in just three months.

In response to these allegations, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath refuted claims of a "copy-paste" job. He acknowledged the error in the executive summary but maintained that other sections of the report remained accurate. He remarked that despite the firm's mistake and subsequent penalization, labelling the entire DPR as flawed due to a minor issue was unjustified.

The tunnel project, a key initiative led by DK Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister, has drawn severe criticism from mobility activists and civic groups who argue it undermines principles of sustainable transportation. Nonetheless, the government defended the project, highlighting its potential to decongest roads, reduce pollution, provide high-speed connectivity, and save fuel.

To fund the Rs 190-billion project, for which BBMP has sought a loan, the state government agreed to act as guarantor. Nine banks have already expressed interest in financing the venture, which is projected to be completed in 61 months.