BENGALURU: The partial opening of Bengaluru’s first double-decker flyover at Silk Board has fueled a political feud between Congress and BJP, both claiming credit for the project. The flyover, along with three ramps, cost Rs 450 crore and was recently opened to traffic by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar praised transport minister Ramalinga Reddy and former BMRCL MD Pradeep Singh Kharola for their significant roles in conceptualizing and implementing the project during the previous Congress government’s tenure. Shivakumar also announced that the ‘Ramalinga Reddy model’ would be used for future Namma Metro corridors, with costs shared between BBMP and BMRCL.
In response, BJP’s Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya took to social media to credit the ‘double-engine BJP government’ for the flyover’s success. Surya claimed that the BJP government completed most of the work and accused Congress of delaying the opening due to public criticism. He argued that while BJP promotes development, Congress is distracted by corruption.
The flyover, part of a broader infrastructure plan, faced delays due to ongoing construction, which had caused significant traffic congestion. The project included both a road flyover and a Metro corridor from RV Road to Bommasandra, with initial funding of Rs 100 crore allocated by the government. However, BMRCL is still awaiting promised funds.
The double-decker flyover’s completion is seen as a milestone in Bengaluru’s infrastructure development, despite the political wrangling over its credit.