Union Budget: D.K. Shivakumar Appeals to FM Sitharaman for Major Funds for Bengaluru
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Synopsis
D.K. Shivakumar, Karnataka's Deputy CM, has reached out to Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman, requesting extensive financial aid for Bengaluru in the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26. He emphasizes the city's urgent need for infrastructure development to maintain its status as a tech hub.
Key Takeaways
- Financial assistance sought for Bengaluru's infrastructure.
- Proposed urban tunnel to ease traffic congestion.
- North-south and east-west corridors planned.
- 17 major flyovers to address traffic issues.
- Support requested for Cauvery Water Supply Scheme.
Bengaluru, Jan 25 (NationPress) D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and President of the State Congress, has reached out to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, requesting significant financial support for the city of Bengaluru in the forthcoming Union Budget for 2025-26.
In his correspondence, Shivakumar emphasized, “As a Parliament representative from Karnataka, you're undoubtedly aware of Bengaluru’s rise as a premier center for technological innovation and investment from both national and global sources. With a population of 1.5 crore, the city urgently requires substantial infrastructure projects to uphold its growth trajectory and retain its title as the Silicon Valley of India.
He urged the central government to finance the construction of an urban tunnel aimed at reducing traffic congestion. “The Karnataka government is proposing a north-south corridor stretching from Esteem Mall near Hebbal to Silk Board Junction, spanning approximately 18.5 kilometres with an estimated cost of Rs 15,000 crore, and an east-west corridor from K.R. Puram Circle to Nayandahalli Junction, measuring 28.5 kilometres at an expected cost of Rs 25,000 crore,” he stated.
Shivakumar also mentioned that the state government has committed Rs 19,000 crore as Viability Gap Funding for this initiative, with the draft Detailed Project Report (DPR) available for public feedback.
He added, “Building on the successful execution of a Double-Decker road along the Metro Yellow Line, the state government plans to replicate this model in Phase 3 of the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). This entails a 40.65 kilometres stretch over two corridors at an estimated cost of Rs 8,916 crore.
Moreover, Shivakumar has requested help for the construction of 17 major flyovers covering 99.50 kilometres across 11 high-traffic corridors at a projected cost of Rs 12,000 crore, which will significantly alleviate traffic challenges in the city.
To tackle the encroachment of buffer zones, a unique approach involving the creation of roads alongside the buffer areas of stormwater drains (SWD) has been initiated. A total of 300 kilometres of new roads in buffer areas is planned at an estimated cost of Rs 3,000 crore, he noted.
The Deputy CM has also sought assistance for the development of the Peripheral Ring Road under a public-private partnership model, estimated to cost Rs 27,000 crore, which includes Rs 21,000 crore for land acquisition and Rs 6,000 crore for civil construction.
Shivakumar also highlighted the fifth phase of the Cauvery Water Supply Scheme (CWSS) to enhance water supply to the city. “With a range of significant infrastructure projects on the horizon for Bengaluru, I earnestly request your support for considerable assistance in the upcoming Union Budget,” he concluded.
