DK Shivakumar Unveils Ambitious Infrastructure Plans to Tackl Traffic Crisis
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has outlined an array of ambitious infrastructure initiatives to combat Bengaluru’s escalating traffic congestion. Key projects include double-decker flyovers, tunnel roads, buffer roads, and elevated corridors, all designed to provide a long-term solution to the city’s traffic problems.
Speaking in the Legislative Council, Shivakumar highlighted Bengaluru’s unplanned expansion as a major factor contributing to the worsening traffic issues. He acknowledged that well-planned areas like Jayanagar, Indiranagar, and Malleshwaram stand in stark contrast to the unstructured growth in other parts of the city.
A significant portion of the problem stems from the delayed implementation of the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project, which was originally estimated to cost Rs 3,000-4,000 crore but has now seen its budget surge to Rs 26,000 crore. The government plans to finance the project through a loan from HUDCO.
Shivakumar also regretted the scrapping of the steel bridge on Bellary Road due to public opposition, calling it a missed opportunity for the city’s infrastructure. To address the current traffic situation, two tunnel roads are planned: a 17-km East-West stretch and a 23-km North-South stretch, with tenders for the first phase expected soon.
Double-decker flyovers will be constructed along new metro lines, with BBMP and BMRCL sharing the Rs 9,000 crore cost. Each kilometre of the flyover is estimated to cost Rs 120 crore. Additionally, Rs 9,000 crore has been allocated for white topping 1,682 km of roads, and Rs 3,000 crore will go toward developing 300 km of buffer roads along stormwater drains.
To further ease congestion, the government is developing 320 km of new roads, including a 7.8-km stretch from Hebbal to Hennur. A World Bank loan of Rs 2,000 crore has also been secured for the development of 850 km of stormwater drains, with 480 km already completed.
Shivakumar assured that these comprehensive projects, once realized, will drastically improve traffic flow and road conditions in Bengaluru.
Read also: