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Bengaluru, Karnataka — BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has challenged Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to a public debate over the proposed ₹18,500 crore Bengaluru Tunnel Road Project. Surya criticised the project as elitist and unscientific, suggesting it would primarily benefit private vehicle owners while doing little to ease overall traffic congestion. Concerns Over Urban Mobility The tunnel, designed to connect Hebbal to Central Silk Board, aims to provide a signal-free corridor and reduce travel time. However, Surya argued that the project lacks a comprehensive decongestion plan and questioned its cost-effectiveness. He recommended that funds could instead be allocated to expanding the metro, suburban rail, and BMTC bus services to benefit a larger section of commuters. Shivakumar Defends Project Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar defended the tunnel project, highlighting its potential to address Bengaluru’s chronic traffic issues. He welcomed technical scrutiny and debate but maintained that the project was necessary for the city’s infrastructure development. Broader Debate on Transport Solutions The proposal has sparked wider discussions on Bengaluru’s urban mobility strategy. While supporters see the tunnel as a step toward a multimodal transport network, critics argue that large-scale projects prioritising private vehicles may undermine public transport improvements.
