Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje on Friday, 4 September called on the Karnataka government to commission a thorough scientific study of Bengaluru's traffic congestion before advancing the proposed tunnel road project, warning that the scheme was being pushed forward without adequate preparation. Speaking at a press conference held at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state office, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru, she raised sharp questions over a near-doubling of the project's estimated costs.

The Cost Surge at the Centre of the Row

Karandlaje pointed out that the estimated cost of the first package of the tunnel road project had jumped from ₹5,484 crore to ₹10,734 crore, while the second package was pegged at ₹11,263 crore. 'Why has the tender amount increased by nearly 97 per cent?' she asked, alleging that the escalation violated the government's own circular stipulating that tender premiums should not exceed 5 per cent.

She further alleged that the Karnataka High Court had sought a technical report on the project, yet tenders were invited before the necessary studies were completed. 'Rahul Gandhi should have called the bidding for this ₹10,000 crore,' she said, in an apparent reference to alleged political patronage behind the project.

Safety Concerns Over Metro and Tunnel Overlap

Karandlaje raised specific concerns about the safety implications of running the Metro and the tunnel road in proximity. 'How will safety be ensured if the Metro and tunnel road run together? What study have you conducted?' she asked. The minister urged the government to halt the project in its present form until credible answers were provided.

Parks Bill and Lakes Legislation Under Fire

Beyond the tunnel project, Karandlaje criticised the state government over its decision to temporarily withdraw a proposed parks-related Bill following public opposition and protests by senior citizens. She noted that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had stated that public opinion would be sought before reintroducing the legislation. However, she alleged that Home Minister Priyank Kharge had indicated the Bill would return without changing even a 'full stop.'

She also opposed a proposed law on lake protection, alleging that Bengaluru's water bodies had already been encroached upon and converted into residential layouts and commercial complexes. 'This is why Bengaluru becomes like a lake whenever it rains,' she said.

Broader Accountability Demand

Karandlaje accused the Karnataka government of being driven by financial interests and alleged that the cost of essential services — including water, electricity, and garbage collection — had been rising every month. 'You have only about one year left. Do not destroy Karnataka,' she warned, urging the administration not to 'destroy Bengaluru' in the remainder of its tenure.

Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, and BJP Bengaluru North district president S. Harish were also present at the press conference. The Karnataka government is yet to formally respond to the allegations raised.