Bengaluru’s Traffic Woes: ‘Even God Can’t Fix It Soon,’ Says Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru: In a candid acknowledgment of Bengaluru’s escalating traffic challenges, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that even divine intervention couldn’t resolve the city’s congestion issues in the immediate future. Speaking at the inauguration of ‘Namma Raste,’ a workshop focused on urban mobility, Shivakumar emphasized the complexity of the problem and the necessity for meticulous planning and execution.
“Even if God himself descends, Bengaluru’s traffic woes cannot be fixed in the next one, two, or even three years,” Shivakumar remarked, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle the city’s infrastructure deficits. He outlined ongoing initiatives, including the development of tunnel roads and elevated corridors, aimed at providing long-term relief to commuters. However, he cautioned that these projects face delays due to financial constraints, technical challenges, and land acquisition hurdles.
The Deputy Chief Minister also directed officials to address immediate concerns, such as the removal of overhead optical fiber cables cluttering roads and footpaths. He warned service providers to utilize designated ducts or face the removal of unauthorized installations.
Shivakumar’s remarks have sparked a political debate, with opposition leaders criticizing the government’s approach to urban development. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka demanded Shivakumar’s resignation, accusing him of shirking responsibility and treating Bengaluru as a “cash cow” for personal ambitions. Ashoka stated, “If Shivakumar can’t take responsibility for fixing Bengaluru’s civic issues, he must step down and make way for someone capable.”
In defense, Home Minister G Parameshwara supported Shivakumar’s assessment, noting that Bengaluru’s infrastructure was not designed to accommodate its current population and vehicular density. Parameshwara explained, “Bengaluru was not built for such a huge population and a large number of vehicles. We don’t have the infrastructure for that. Unless we spread out Bengaluru, traffic is always going to be a challenge.” He added that the government is exploring multiple solutions, including the construction of flyovers, underpasses, and underground roads, but emphasized that these are long-term projects requiring substantial time and investment.
The discourse underscores the pressing need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, urban planners, and citizens to develop sustainable solutions for Bengaluru’s traffic congestion. While long-term infrastructure projects are in the pipeline, immediate measures and effective governance are essential to alleviate the daily struggles faced by the city’s commuters.
Dhanya Reddy S
Alma Media School Student
