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Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said the Karnataka government is planning to expand IT company zones across Bengaluru to reduce traffic congestion and travel time along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) — one of the city’s busiest tech corridors. Plan to ease pressure on ORRSpeaking after the ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ programme, Mr. Shivakumar noted that more than 10 lakh tech professionals currently work along the ORR. He said that relocating or expanding IT company operations to other parts of the city could significantly reduce commuting time and decongest the stretch. The Deputy Chief Minister added that he has instructed IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge to prepare a detailed plan addressing the challenges along the ORR and hold consultations with CEOs of major IT companies before the upcoming Bengaluru Tech Summit. A series of follow-up meetings with CEOs and industry stakeholders is also scheduled. Meeting with industry leadersMr. Shivakumar said he held a dinner meeting with entrepreneurs and industry leaders, including Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, to discuss infrastructure challenges and development 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. “Our conversations yielded excellent suggestions regarding Bengaluru’s growth, and several of them have now joined the main advisory committee,” he added. Metro expansion and transport developmentOn the pending approval for the Red Line Metro’s detailed project report (DPR), Mr. Shivakumar said metro connectivity must expand for the city’s convenience, alongside introducing double-decker buses. “The Centre is funding about 12–13% of the metro project cost, and the State will bear the rest. We will get the work done,” he assured. Meeting with MP Tejasvi SuryaResponding to a question about his upcoming meeting with Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, the Deputy Chief Minister said it is scheduled for Tuesday. “If he gives good suggestions, we will include them,” he remarked. Defending the controversial tunnel road project, Mr. Shivakumar said, “The tunnel road is essential for Bengaluru. No one can stop me except God.” He also reminded that earlier infrastructure projects, such as the proposed steel flyover by K.J. George, were halted due to public opposition. “This project is not for me — I am already 60 years old. Development projects are for the future of Bengaluru,” he concluded.
