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Amid criticism that the proposed tunnel road would benefit only the wealthy, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday defended the project, saying that while it was only meant for those who pay toll, and that other solutions, including road-widening, was no longer possible in the city due to soaring property prices and compensation laws. He further challenged MP for Bengaluru South Tejasvi Surya, who has opposed the project, to present his own action plan to decongest the city. “This project is for those who pay toll. If they don’t want this project, let them give an action plan to reduce traffic congestion in Bengaluru. As the MP of Bengaluru South, what plan does he have? Has the Prime Minister given even ₹10 as a special grant for this city’s development? What steps did BJP take to control congestion when they were governing the State? Why couldn’t they call tenders for garbage collection on time or widen roads and build flyovers?” the Deputy Chief Minister questioned. Mr. Shivakumar’s remarks came during ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ programme which was held in the West Corporation limits on Saturday. Accusing the BJP of neglecting the city, Mr. Shivakumar said, “Don’t you see cable wires hanging on the streets? Why were they not removed? The BJP joined hands with the mafia and made the city worse. That’s why people supported our party and elected 140 MLAs. We’ll do our job. Bengaluru is a global city, and we will do whatever needs to be done to protect it.” Responding to Mr. Surya’s criticism that the tunnel would damage places of historical significance, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “The tunnel will be dug underground, not outside. Why are tunnels being built in Mumbai and Delhi then? We cannot stop the project by listening to his words. I will not bow to him under any circumstances. Mr. Surya is an empty shell.” He further clarified that the government is not acquiring anyone’s land. “The road passes through a small section. If there is any issue, we will make an alternative arrangement. Lalbagh will not be affected. A small area will be used temporarily during construction and restored afterward,” he maintained. The BJP’s intention, he added, is to prevent the government from doing good work. Applications invited from all corporations The Deputy Chief Minister added that those who could not meet him during Saturday’s programme can submit their applications at the event to be held at Cubbon Park on Sunday. “I will take applications from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. People from all five corporations are welcome to attend. Similar public interaction meetings will be organised regularly in the coming days,” he said.
