A high-speed rail tunnel through the Adelaide Hills would help ease traffic gridlocks on the South-Eastern Freeway, according to a business strategist.

Dr Paul Szuster, instrumental in the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Service in Taiwan, is calling on private and government stakeholders to help fund a scoping study for a dual-gauge tunnel between Lynton and Nairne to connect Adelaide with Murray Bridge.

The proposal includes underground stations at Mount Barker, Hahndorf, Bridgewater, Stirling and Belair and a second rail line for interstate freight trains.

It would also consider new and existing park-and-ride infrastructure at each station.

Dr Szuster, who presented his proposal at Monday night’s Mount Barker District council meeting, said a feasibility study would help explore the social and benefits a rail tunnel could bring to the region.

It comes after widespread frustration over lengthy traffic delays on the South-Eastern Freeway after crashes and truck breakdowns, and growing congestion because of population increase in the Hills.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard has already said a train link between the Hills and Adelaide is not viable but that hasn’t stopped locals demanding better transport options.

Dr Paul Szuster is proposing a high-speed rail tunnel through the Adelaide Hills with a number of underground stations.

Dr Szuster estimated a study would cost between $100,000 and $150,000 and could be funded through the support of private stakeholders.

“I’ve written up a bit of a list of stakeholders which includes several councils, including Murray Bridge, Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker and Alexandrina, which would all benefit from having better access to the city via a fast rail,” he said.