Tunnel vision sparks turf war between Kumaraswamy, Shivakumar over Bengaluru's future

Time of India

4 days ago

Bengaluru: The political rivalry between deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S) has spilled into Bengaluru's infrastructure space, as both pitch competing underground road projects to tackle the city's traffic mess.
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While Shivakumar is pushing ahead with his tunnel road project, Kumaraswamy has pitched an alternative: An ultra-modern underground road network (UMURN). Earlier this week, he met Union minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi to discuss the proposal. He has also proposed support for the Peripheral Ring Road to decongest the central business district. "This transformative infrastructure will serve as the backbone of Bengaluru's future urban mobility," Kumaraswamy said in a memorandum to Gadkari.
Both proposals aim to decongest Bengaluru's notorious traffic, improve long-term connectivity, and fuel economic growth. But observers say the duel is as much about political one-upmanship as it is about urban planning, with both vying to be the dominant Vokkaliga face in Karnataka politics.
There have been past flashpoints. The row around NICE corridor and the govt's decision to rename Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South were moves widely seen as political signalling.
Taking a swipe at Shivakumar's project, Kumaraswamy said, "This 'piecemeal approach' would not solve the gigantic problem of mobility in the city. What we need is a comprehensive mobility solution that is not just futuristic, but also growth-oriented in sync with the city's brand equity as a global destination. The proposed UMURN is scientifically designed and seeks to adopt cutting-edge technology. It is aimed at reducing carbon footprint while ensuring commercial, industrial and economic growth.
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MoRTH minister Gadkari's response to the proposal was positive."
This drew a sharp reaction from Shivakumar, who accused Kumaraswamy of trying to create confusion. "Let Kumaraswamy explain the difference between the tunnel road project and this UMURN he is talking about," he said. "Both are underground road infrastructure projects to ensure seamless mobility linking critical points of the city. If he is sincere, then he should ensure central govt funds for Bengaluru's development instead of indulging in gimmicks like this.
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Shivakumar said the tunnel road is already at an "advanced stage", with cabinet approval secured in May. "We'll soon invite global tenders for the first phase of 16.7km dubbed the North-South Corridor that links Esteem Mall at Hebbal Junction to Central Silk Board Junction in HSR Layout. The estimated cost is Rs 17,780 crore," he said.
BJP, meanwhile, has thrown its weight behind its NDA partner. "We are all along opposed to the tunnel road project on various grounds including its extravagant cost even without being able to scientifically address mobility issues.
Let the govt strengthen the public transport system including Metro, which has emerged as the lifeline of the city, before embarking on a misadventure like tunnel road," said PC Mohan, BJP MP from Bengaluru Central.
But experts are unconvinced with both plans. YN Yellappa Reddy, former secretary, department of ecology and environment, said: "The city's terrain is predominantly rock, especially Dharwar shilt, an ancient rock formation which is harder than diamond. Blasting it would cause artificial seismic waves. Besides, the project would adversely impact groundwater and vegetation on the surface."