In his speech to the joint session of the Karnataka legislature, Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot outlined the state government’s vision for improving infrastructure, transportation, environmental sustainability, and rural welfare. However, the BJP swiftly criticized the address, labeling it as disconnected from the state’s current realities.

Key Announcements by Governor Gehlot

  1. Urban Development and Transport:
    • A 40.50 km double-decker flyover will be built to ease Bengaluru’s traffic, combining metro rail and roadways, at an estimated cost of ₹8,916 crore.
    • A ₹27,000 crore loan will fund the Bengaluru Peripheral Ring Road project, covering 73 km and requiring the acquisition of 2,565 acres of land.
    • The state has earmarked ₹14,788 crore for Phase-II and ₹15,611 crore for Phase-III of the Bengaluru Metro expansion.
  2. Water Supply and Aviation:
    • A ₹6,939 crore initiative will address Bengaluru’s growing water demand.
    • The completion of ₹347 crore Vijayapura airport and expansion plans for Mysuru’s airport were also highlighted.
  3. Environmental and Rural Progress:
    • 5,678 acres around Hesaraghatta Lake in Bengaluru have been designated as a protected area.
    • Over 8.3 million households have received tap water connections, with more planned for 2024-25.
    • 109.1 million man-days of work were created through MGNREGA in the last year.
  4. BJP’s Response:
    • The BJP accused the speech of being misleading and unrealistic, particularly criticizing unfulfilled promises in the animal husbandry sector and questioning the allocation for regional development.

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