Karnataka to Advance Tunnel Road and Greater Bengaluru Projects Despite Opposition
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government plans to advance the tunnel road and Greater Bengaluru initiatives, which involve restructuring the BBMP, amid significant opposition from the BJP and JD-S. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed the concerns while emphasizing the need for comprehensive urban development.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka's government is pursuing tunnel road and Greater Bengaluru projects despite opposition.
- Deputy CM Shivakumar emphasizes the financial implications of road widening.
- Plans include constructing 160 km of flyovers and 300 km of roads in buffer zones.
- The 'Beyond Bengaluru' initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion.
- Shivakumar defends the BBMP restructuring against political criticisms.
Bengaluru, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Karnataka government is moving forward with the implementation of the tunnel road project and the Greater Bengaluru initiative, which aims to divide the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), despite strong opposition from both the BJP and the JD-S.
In response to the BJP's protests across 28 constituencies regarding the proposed tunnel road in Bengaluru, similar to previous objections to the steel bridge, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated: “If we pursue road widening instead of the tunnel road, the land acquisition process alone will amount to Rs 3 lakh crore. Compensation must be provided at a 1:2 ratio in all cases. The plan is being developed with all possibilities in mind.”
“Had a double-decker flyover been constructed alongside the existing metro lines, we wouldn’t be experiencing these issues today. Thus, moving forward, all new metro routes will include double-decker flyovers, with the BBMP covering 50 percent of the costs,” Shivakumar asserted.
He also shared, “We are aiming to construct 160 kilometers of flyovers and 300 kilometers of roads in buffer zones adjacent to storm water drains. These projects will be executed in phases and will take time,” he remarked.
Shivakumar noted, “I have observed the roads in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi, and they are in worse shape than those in Bengaluru. In the assembly, I will present data reflecting traffic congestion times in various cities. Bengaluru is attracting global attention, which is why its traffic issues are more pronounced. We are actively working on the ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative to alleviate the pressure on the city.”
Addressing Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s criticism that the BBMP division plan threatens the legacy of Bengaluru’s founder, Kempegowda, Shivakumar remarked: “Kumaraswamy is merely engaging in politics. What actions did he take during his term? When I served as the Urban Development Minister in Krishna’s government, BBMP’s jurisdiction was restricted to Hebbal, RR Nagar, Banashankari, and KR Puram. Why did Kumaraswamy’s government later expand the city’s limits? Bengaluru is evolving. Electronic City has virtually transformed into a separate Bengaluru, and its revenue and projects require appropriate management.”
He further emphasized: “Bengaluru encompasses more than just Sadashivanagar and the vicinity around Vidhana Soudha. In March 2023, the BJP government issued a notification to develop a 90-meter-wide road (IRR) in Whitefield. Within Bengaluru, acquiring land for a 19 km road alone would cost Rs 25,000 crore. Who were they doing this for? Significant structures have already been erected in these regions, yet they released this notification without considering its consequences. Let the critics voice their opinions; I am dedicated to progress.”
