Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 27: The Karnataka government is set to proceed with the tunnel road project and the Greater Bengaluru initiative, which proposes splitting the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), despite strong opposition from the BJP and JD(S).
Reacting to the BJP’s protests across 28 constituencies against the tunnel road—similar to its earlier opposition to the steel bridge project—deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar defended the decision. “If we opt for road widening instead, the land acquisition alone will cost Rs 3 lac cr. Compensation must be given at a 1:2 ratio in all cases. The plan has been designed considering all possibilities,” he stated.
Highlighting past infrastructure shortcomings, he added, “Had a double-decker flyover been built along metro lines, we wouldn’t be facing these issues today. Moving forward, all new metro routes will integrate double-decker flyovers, with BBMP contributing 50% of the cost.”
He further outlined the government’s plans, saying, “We are planning 160 km of flyovers and 300 km of roads in buffer zones along stormwater drains. These projects will be implemented in phases and will require time.”
Addressing Bengaluru’s traffic concerns, Shivakumar remarked, “I have seen the roads in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi—they are in worse condition than Bengaluru’s. I will present data in the Assembly comparing congestion across cities. Bengaluru is receiving global attention, making its traffic problems more noticeable. The ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative aims to ease this pressure.”
Responding to union minister HD Kumaraswamy’s allegation that the BBMP division plan undermines the legacy of Bengaluru’s founder Kempegowda, Shivakumar dismissed the claim as political rhetoric. “What did he do during his tenure? When I was Urban development minister in Krishna’s government, BBMP’s jurisdiction covered only Hebbal, RR Nagar, Banashankari, and KR Puram. Why did Kumaraswamy’s government later expand the city’s limits? Bengaluru is growing rapidly, and areas like electronic city now function as separate entities. Their revenue and projects must be managed accordingly.”
Criticizing the previous BJP government’s urban planning, he said, “Bengaluru is more than just Sadashivanagar and the area around Vidhana Soudha. In March 2023, the BJP issued a notification to develop a 90-meter-wide road (IRR) in Whitefield. Acquiring land for just 19 km within Bengaluru would cost ?25,000 crore. Who was this for? Major buildings have already come up in these areas, yet they issued the notification without considering its impact. Let critics continue their attacks—I remain committed to progress.”