Bengaluru, Oct 29 (NationPress) BJP Yuva Morcha National President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has voiced his concerns regarding the Karnataka government’s proposed Tunnel Road Project, emphasizing that the emphasis should be on benefitting the greatest number of commuters, rather than giving precedence to cars.

During a press briefing at the BJP state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, Surya revealed that the projected cost of the tunnel road initiative is Rs 43,000 crore.

“How can the construction of an 18-kilometre underground tunnel resolve all of Bengaluru’s traffic issues? How will it tackle emergencies? There has been no feasibility or traffic analysis conducted. The government is ignoring expert advice. This is a prime example of misusing taxpayers' money,” he stated.

“We have proposed scientific alternatives. Approximately 70 percent of Bengaluru’s residents should rely on public transport. We have outlined five essential points in this regard. All current projects are facing delays and are progressing at a slow pace,” he added.

Surya insisted that the government must finalize outstanding projects before initiating new ones.

“The objective should be to serve the greatest number of individuals in the shortest time and at the least expense, rather than prioritizing vehicles,” he remarked.

He called for the government to focus on public transport and to ensure effective coordination among various departments. “Pedestrians must be provided with safe footpaths. Over the past three years, Bengaluru has seen the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in the nation,” he pointed out.

Referring to traffic-related deaths, he noted, “During the Pulwama incident, three soldiers from Karnataka lost their lives, which garnered national attention. Yet, in Bengaluru, 15-20 pedestrians perish on the roads daily. The city urgently requires suburban rail, metro, trams, and ring rail connectivity,” he asserted.

Quoting government statistics, Surya mentioned that following the opening of the Yellow Metro Line, traffic congestion at Silk Board Junction decreased by 37 percent.

“In light of this, should we be expanding the Metro or constructing additional tunnels for vehicles? Likewise, the Purple Line has diminished traffic congestion by 12-14 percent. Car commuters are opting for air-conditioned metro trains as they are quicker and more economical,” he explained.

Tejasvi Surya added that under the comprehensive mobility plan, Bengaluru should aim for 300 km of metro lines, with trains operating every three minutes.

“This is the BJP’s alternative solution,” he asserted.

He emphasized that once the 300 km of metro lines are completed, individuals throughout Bengaluru should be within a 5-minute walk from a metro station.

“This will alleviate traffic woes. People will leave their personal vehicles behind and choose to travel by metro,” he concluded.

If the same Rs 43,000 crore is allocated wisely, Bengaluru could establish a 317 km metro network by 2031.

“However, this government has shown no interest in pursuing it,” he remarked.