Bali is embarking on one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in recent years. Part of the new six-kilometer road connecting Canggu with other areas will run underground. The construction is expected to solve one of the island's most pressing problems — endless traffic jams.
This is about the construction of the new road Gatot Subroto Barat – Canggu (or simply Gatsu Barat – Canggu). It will connect the districts of Kerobokan and Canggu. Part of this route is planned to be laid underground — 15 meters deep.
Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa stated that the 375-meter tunnel will pass under residential houses. This is necessary to avoid demolishing villages and to protect existing infrastructure.
“From Gatot Subroto Street heading west, the road will be built under the houses. It is likely to be a tunnel,” he said at a press conference.
Regulations allow the government not to pay compensation if the tunnel is built at a depth of more than 15 meters. This is why the chosen construction depth is explained.
Gatsu Barat – Canggu is part of a large-scale plan to ease traffic in Bali's key tourist areas. The new route will connect Canggu with the Mengwi bus station. It is one of the main intercity stations in Bali. Buses to Java depart from here, causing significant traffic jams.
The opening of the new road will alleviate traffic in several districts, simplify movement between Denpasar and Badung, and allow quicker journeys from Canggu to the Tanah Lot temple.
Additionally, travel time will be reduced for those heading from Canggu towards Uluwatu. Currently, such trips can take up to three hours during peak times, although navigation systems promise an hour and a half. The new route should shorten this journey, but until it’s operational, tourists and expats should still plan their trips well in advance.
In 2025, the project is in the planning and feasibility assessment stages. Land acquisition and construction works are expected to begin in 2026.
The plans have been officially confirmed not only regionally. Bali Governor Wayan Koster included this project in March 2025 in the list of key infrastructure tasks.
Besides Gatsu Barat – Canggu, Bali is also preparing for the construction of other significant projects designed to ease road movement around the island. But for now, we have to wait — and plan trips with some time to spare.
Sources: NusaBali, Bali info official.
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