After facing sharp criticism from the BJP over the proposed Tunnel Road in Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday reiterated his commitment to the project, offering to engage in a detailed debate to justify its necessity.

The BJP has vowed to stage protests across all 28 Assembly constituencies in the city, opposing the initiative. However, Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru’s development, asserted that the Tunnel Road is the only viable long-term solution to the city’s relentless traffic congestion.

Highlighting the staggering costs of road expansion, he stated, “Acquiring land alone costs ₹3 lakh crore. For instance, land acquisition near Palace Grounds for widening roads would require ₹3,000 crore. Now, imagine the investment needed for a full-scale tunnel road project.”

Criticizing past administrations, he remarked, “If earlier governments had prioritized double-decker roads along Metro corridors, alternative solutions could have been explored. Since those options were neglected, we are now left with no choice but to implement the Tunnel Road plan.” He also confirmed that all upcoming Metro routes would feature a double-decker system alongside expanded road infrastructure.

Responding to backlash over his comment, “Even God can’t fix Bengaluru’s traffic,” Shivakumar clarified that while additional solutions—such as roads in buffer zones, flyovers, and bridges—are in progress, they require time. “Development isn’t magic. It happens in phases, but once complete, congestion will ease,” he assured.

He further challenged the BJP to a debate during the Budget Session, stating, “If they oppose all progress, like they did with the Steel Bridge, they must answer to the public.”

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