Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has said that while Bengaluru urgently requires more metro connectivity, the city’s traffic challenges cannot be addressed through metro expansion alone.
Defending investments in road infrastructure, including the proposed tunnel road project, the minister said Bengaluru must simultaneously strengthen public transport and road networks to accommodate its rapid growth and rising number of vehicles.
Metro and roads must go hand in hand
Speaking about the debate surrounding tunnel roads, Gowda said infrastructure projects should not be viewed as alternatives to public transport. According to him, the city requires additional metro lines, more buses and improved road infrastructure to meet future demands.
He pointed out that similar opposition had been raised against earlier flyover projects, including the Chalukya Circle-Hebbal corridor, while congestion continues to persist at key junctions such as Ganganagar, Mehkri Circle and Windsor Manor.
Bengaluru must prepare for growth
Addressing criticism over the financial viability of large-scale infrastructure projects, the minister said Bengaluru remains India’s economic growth engine and continues to attract talent and investment from across the country.
He argued that urbanisation is inevitable and that the challenge lies in managing growth effectively rather than resisting it. According to him, failing to invest in infrastructure could affect the city’s competitiveness and economic dynamism.
Metro deadlines intended to create urgency
Gowda acknowledged that the timelines announced for upcoming metro projects are ambitious. However, he said setting deadlines creates accountability and urgency within the system.
Among the major projects planned are the Sarjapur-Hebbal corridor and the completion of the city’s outer metro loop through connections linking JP Nagar, Magadi Road and Hebbal.
Waste management reforms on the agenda
The minister also addressed Bengaluru’s waste management challenges, stating that vested interests continue to influence the sector. He said the government intends to introduce stronger accountability measures through new collection contracts, including incentives for good performance and penalties for poor service.
Discussions are also underway on the future role of Bengaluru’s proposed corporations in managing garbage collection and processing.