Why is Tejasvi Surya Criticizing Bengaluru's Rs 46,000 Cr Tunnel Project?
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Synopsis
In a recent press conference, Tejasvi Surya, the President of the BJP National Yuva Morcha, vehemently opposes the Congress-led government's Rs 46,000 crore tunnel project, labeling it as a blatant misappropriation of public funds. Surya raises critical questions about the project's viability and impact on the common people, igniting a debate on urban development in Bengaluru.
Key Takeaways
- Tejasvi Surya has accused the Congress-led government of misappropriating public funds through the tunnel project.
- The proposed project is criticized for its limited capacity compared to a potential Metro system.
- Concerns were raised about the high toll fees for daily commuters.
- The BJP is mobilizing public awareness and might pursue legal routes against the project.
- Bengaluru continues to struggle with inadequate public transport infrastructure.
Bengaluru, July 14 (NationPress) Tejasvi Surya, the President of the BJP National Yuva Morcha and MP for Bengaluru South, has accused the Congress-led administration of perpetrating loot through its ambitious Rs 46,000 crore tunnel project.
At a press briefing on Monday at the BJP State Headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, Surya declared that the BJP would vehemently contest the tunnel road initiative, which he claims is merely a misappropriation of taxpayers' money masked as development.
This proposed 18-km tunnel route, set to cost Rs 18,500 crore, is designed for cars traveling from Hebbal to Dairy Circle. Surya criticized the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and feasibility study as being full of discrepancies and irregularities.
It was noted that the tunnel is expected to accommodate only 600-1,600 people per hour. If motorcycles and two-wheelers were permitted, it could manage around 7,500 individuals per hour. In contrast, a Metro system could effectively transport 25,000 people per hour. “Should we support a project that favors merely car owners or a Metro system that serves 25,000 individuals per hour?” Surya posed.
The Deputy Chief Minister has also indicated that a toll will be imposed on the tunnel, with the DPR suggesting a one-way fee of Rs 660. “How many residents of Bengaluru can afford to pay Rs 660 daily for their commute?” he questioned.
The project's design excludes buses, auto-rickshaws, and two-wheelers—only cars are permitted. “This tunnel caters exclusively to the wealthy residents of Sadashivanagar, Dollar’s Colony, and 4th Block, Koramangala. It appears to be custom-made for D.K. Shivakumar and his relatives to access their homes in Koramangala,” he alleged.
Surya insisted that the BJP will oppose the tunnel road project, stating, “We will fight to safeguard every single rupee of the public’s money.”
He further claimed that the DPR and feasibility report are flawed and were developed by a blacklisted consultant. He labeled the tunnel initiative as a mere scheme to enrich Congress party affiliates.
“We have begun to raise public awareness through the media today. In the upcoming days, all BJP MPs, MLAs, the state president, and Bengaluru leaders will deliberate on the issue. We are contemplating legal actions and public campaigns. This is a significant scam involving public funds,” he charged.
Surya claimed that the DPR was simply copied from the Bengaluru Metro project, for which the BBMP had allocated Rs 9.5 crore.
“They seem to believe that the people of Karnataka are fools. They’ve referenced Nashik and Malegaon as precedents in the report. Is it not outrageous to squander public funds on such foolishness?” he queried.
Tejasvi lambasted the state government for disregarding the DMLTA (Draft Metropolitan Land Transport Authority) Act, which is essential for executing such a large project to avert corruption.
“Despite the Act’s existence, they have drafted a project report and are moving forward with tenders,” he stated.
He mocked the inclusion of a “Neo-Bus” system in the plan, asking, “What is this Neo-Bus? Will it operate on the ground or in the air?”
He noted that the DPR was not made public and alleged that it was prepared before the feasibility report. He expressed concern that the feasibility report even specified who should be designated as the DPR consultant.
“Due to inadequate public transport, 72 percent of people still rely on private vehicles to reach the airport,” he remarked.
“We proposed a comprehensive traffic management plan in 2020. The report indicated that Bengaluru needed 16,580 buses. Currently, there are approximately 6,000, resulting in a deficit of over 9,000 buses. Yet, the government is inactive,” he asserted.
He added that by 2031, Bengaluru should be equipped with 317 km of Metro lines, while presently there are only 78 km. The Yellow Line has been ready for four years but remains unopened, he highlighted.
“By 2031, the suburban railway network should span 148 km. However, the four-corridor project is stalled. The Deputy Chief Minister has pledged 100 km of new flyovers. Yet, over 20 flyovers have remained incomplete for the past 5-6 years. They should prioritize finishing those first,” he stated.
He ridiculed the slow progress by citing the example of the 2.5 km Ejipura Flyover, which costs Rs 120 crore in his constituency. “At this rate, it would take 800 years to complete a flyover,” he sarcastically remarked. “Referring to it as a tunnel road is simply daylight robbery,” he concluded.
Point of View
We maintain an unbiased perspective on the ongoing political debates surrounding urban development initiatives. While it's crucial to address concerns raised by leaders like Tejasvi Surya, the focus should remain on finding balanced solutions that serve the interests of all citizens.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main criticisms of the Rs 46,000 crore tunnel project?
Tejasvi Surya criticizes the project for being a misappropriation of public funds, highlighting its limited capacity and the toll it imposes on citizens.
How does the proposed tunnel project compare to the Metro system?
The tunnel is projected to accommodate only a fraction of what a Metro system could handle, raising questions about its efficiency and necessity.
What are the implications of the project's toll fees?
The proposed toll fees of Rs 660 per day may be unaffordable for many residents, raising concerns about accessibility.
How is the BJP planning to oppose the project?
The BJP plans to raise public awareness and may consider legal action against the project, citing concerns over transparency and accountability.
What is the status of public transport in Bengaluru?
Currently, Bengaluru faces a significant shortage of buses and public transport options, with many residents relying on private vehicles.
