Bengaluru, Oct 28 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated on Tuesday that Tejasvi Surya, the President of the BJP National Yuva Morcha and MP for Bengaluru South, failed to present any alternative solutions during their recent meeting regarding the Bengaluru Tunnel Road Project and the persistent traffic issues in the city.

Speaking to the press at the Bharat Jodo auditorium within the state Congress unit office, Shivakumar, who also oversees the Bengaluru Development portfolio, remarked: "The proposals made by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya to mitigate Bengaluru's traffic problems lack alternative solutions. Nonetheless, I value his input and will direct officials to review them."

When queried about the meeting, he mentioned: "Surya offered several suggestions. He indicated that the proposed tunnel road would primarily benefit cars and stressed the necessity for an expanded metro network. We are open to integrating metro connectivity and I will review his additional suggestions with the officials. He also proposed allowing private and mini buses in Bengaluru. However, given the already high volume of vehicles on our roads, we need to assess whether permitting these buses would be beneficial."

"He suggested the establishment of a Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA). I inquired why this was not achieved during their time in office, to which he responded that it was not feasible then. I also questioned the extent of financial support the central government is providing for Bengaluru's development. I proposed that all your MPs join us to meet the Prime Minister and advocate for funding," Shivakumar elaborated.

The Deputy Chief Minister also clarified that there are no current plans to utilize six acres of Lalbagh land for the tunnel road project. "The tunnel's entry and exit points will merely border Lalbagh. I urged him to propose alternative sites if this is not satisfactory. He claimed that tunnel roads are opposed globally. I countered that decisions cannot be swayed by a single person's opinion," he emphasized.

"Surya also mentioned that 70 percent of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) should accommodate public transport and that a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) should be initiated. He advocated for an increase in suburban trains. I concurred and suggested we approach the Central government together to request funding and consult with Union Minister of State V. Somanna. So far, no new suburban trains have been added due to a lack of funds from the Centre. How can we bear this burden alone? I told him that merely offering suggestions is insufficient; they must also ensure funding," Shivakumar stated.

Regarding Surya's assertion that enhancing public transport would decrease private vehicle usage, Shivakumar replied: "You arrived here in your own vehicle—can I prevent you from doing so? It's a social reality that families prefer traveling in their own cars. Can we dissuade them? If the MP wishes, he could encourage his constituents to leave their cars behind and use public transport. Let's see how many will comply. Even today, a man without a car finds it difficult to secure a bride. The MP lacks insight into these social realities."

On the juxtaposition of Surya meeting him while simultaneously filing a PIL, Shivakumar remarked: "He can file any PIL he desires. If necessary, let the court establish a committee to review all proposed sites. If there’s any wrongdoing on my part or that of my officials, we are prepared to amend it."

Addressing his previous comment about the treasury being empty, he stated: "Yes, I made that remark in relation to finances. Every project demands funding. Tweets and critiques alone cannot yield solutions. They should secure funds from the Prime Minister. Suggestions can be made endlessly, but they often oppose tunnel roads and the demolition of buildings. If we increase the bus fleet, how many will actually utilize them? Is it feasible to construct metro lines everywhere?"

As for the upcoming Council elections, Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress chief, announced: "We will finalize candidates for the teachers' and graduates' constituencies in the next eight to ten days. A preparatory meeting was conducted to organize our members. After discussions with party workers and ticket aspirants, I will recommend names to Delhi."