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Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday revealed that the government is considering ‘expanding’ IT companies across the city to ease burden on the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Speaking after the ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ programme, Mr. Shivakumar said the move could reduce travel time for employees, noting that over 10 lakh tech professionals currently work for companies located along the ORR. He added that he has directed IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge to prepare a detailed plan addressing ORR-related issues and to discuss it with the CEOs of companies along the stretch ahead of the Bengaluru Tech Summit. Mr. Shivakumar will also hold a series of meetings with CEOs and other stakeholders. Dinner meeting with industry leaders Mr. Shivakumar said he met entrepreneurs and industry leaders, including Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Mohandas Pai, on Saturday to discuss infrastructure challenges and gather their suggestions. “Entrepreneurs are our brothers and sisters. I told them that Bengaluru is their city too, and its dignity must not be undermined,” he said. “I told them that if they criticise, it will become international news about our city. Our conversations yielded excellent suggestions regarding Bengaluru’s development,” he added, noting that the entrepreneurs have also been included in the main advisory committee. Red Line metro expansion Responding to a query about the new DPR for the Red Line Metro for which the approval is still pending, Mr. Shivakumar said metro routes must be extended for public convenience, alongside double-decker bus services. “The Centre is funding approximately 12 to 13% of the project costs, with the State covering the remaining costs. We will get our work done,” he said. Meeting with Tejasvi Surya When asked about the meeting with MP for Bengaluru South Tejasvi Surya on Tuesday, Mr. Shivakumar said, “He requested a time, and I have scheduled it for Tuesday. If he provides good suggestions, we will incorporate them. The Deputy Chief Minister added that the tunnel road is essential for Bengaluru. “No one can stop me, except God,” he said, referring to frequent backlash over infrastructure projects. He cited that earlier, K.J. George proposed building a steel flyover but faced opposition, and the issue remains unresolved even today. He added that as an MP, Mr. Surya should help secure central funds for the State. “This project is not for me. I am already 60 years old. Development projects are for the future of Bengaluru,” he said.
