Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar defended the tunnel road project, stating that nowadays, people do not marry boys who do not own a car. He added that it's impossible to stop people from driving their cars, as it is a matter of social responsibility.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is currently in the news due to his statement. Defending the Bengaluru Tunnel Road Project, he said that it's impossible to stop people from driving their vehicles today, as cars have become a necessity and a status symbol in society. He stated that car usage is part of personal preference and social behavior, which the government cannot curb.
D.K. Shivakumar's Controversial Statement
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, D.K. Shivakumar said, “Nowadays, people do not marry their daughters to boys who don't own a car. This is the reality of society. People want to travel with their families in a car. Can I stop anyone from acquiring or driving a car?”
He further stated that it is a matter of social responsibility, and we should raise public awareness about traffic and the environment. The Deputy Chief Minister appealed to MPs and public representatives to promote the use of public transport among the masses, but added that restricting personal choices is not practical.
Debate Erupts Over Tunnel Road Project
D.K. Shivakumar's statement came at a time when political controversy over the proposed Tunnel Road Project in Bengaluru has intensified. This project is being developed as a car-only tunnel, with plans for significant investment.
On Tuesday, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya met the Deputy Chief Minister regarding this project and demanded its cancellation. He argued that constructing a road solely for cars at such a high cost is a misplaced priority. He stated, “The tunnel road will only handle about 1,800 cars per hour, whereas for the same cost, approximately 69,000 people could travel by metro.”
Tejasvi Surya Outlines Transport Reforms
Tejasvi Surya suggested creating a comprehensive transport plan for Bengaluru. According to him, this plan should include 300 kilometers of metro lines, 314 kilometers of suburban rail, and tram services for short distances.
He called for high-frequency shuttle buses to operate every 5-10 minutes on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) to improve “last-mile connectivity” and reduce people's reliance on their private cars.
Shivakumar's Statement on Public Convenience
D.K. Shivakumar stated that the government's objective is not to stop anyone but to alleviate the city's traffic burden. “We are trying to balance Bengaluru's traffic system. Public convenience and safety are our top priorities,” he said.
He also added that the government is working on strengthening metro and bus services, as well as projects like the tunnel road, to facilitate travel for all segments of society.
