Archive · 29 Oct 2025
BJP MP Urges Scrapping Bengaluru Tunnel Project, Favors Public Transport
A Member of Parliament named Tejasvi Surya met with a government minister named D.K. Shivakumar.
Surya thinks a new tunnel road planned for the city is a bad idea because it's only for cars and costs a lot of money.
He wants the government to spend that money on trains and metros instead, which can carry many more people.
Surya also suggested new bus routes with special lanes.
The minister said he would look at Surya's ideas but also believes the tunnel road will help people travel faster by avoiding traffic jams.
There were also questions about whether the tunnel project would harm a famous park called Lalbagh, and the minister assured that it would not cause damage and no land inside the park would be taken.
They plan to discuss these ideas more with officials and businesses.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya urged Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar to scrap the proposed Bengaluru tunnel road project.
Surya advocated for diverting funds from the tunnel project to expand metro and suburban rail networks.
Shivakumar defended the tunnel project's potential to improve mobility and save travel time, but agreed to review Surya's suggestions.
Surya also proposed dedicated loop bus services with exclusive lanes on the Outer Ring Road.
Shivakumar assured Surya that the tunnel project would not damage Lalbagh and would not involve acquiring land within the garden.
- Who
- Tejasvi Surya (BJP MP) and D.K. Shivakumar (Deputy CM of Karnataka)
- What
- Tejasvi Surya met with D.K. Shivakumar to urge the scrapping of the proposed Bengaluru tunnel road project, advocating instead for the expansion of metro and suburban rail networks. Shivakumar acknowledged the suggestions while also defending the tunnel project's potential benefits.
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Bengaluru
- Why
- To discuss and influence the future of Bengaluru's transportation infrastructure, addressing traffic congestion and mobility issues.
Tejasvi Surya (BJP MP)
D.K. Shivakumar (Deputy CM)
Tunnel Road Project
Tejasvi Surya (BJP MP)
Urges scrapping the project, calling it a car-only initiative with high cost and limited benefits; advocates for diverting funds to mass public transport (metro, suburban rail).
D.K. Shivakumar (Deputy CM)
Believes the tunnel road will 'transform mobility', bypass traffic bottlenecks, save travel time, and provide access to the IT corridor; is open to reviewing Surya's suggestions and expanding metro.
Sustainable Mobility Solution
Tejasvi Surya (BJP MP)
Argues that expanding public transport systems like metro and suburban rail is the only sustainable solution for Bengaluru's traffic issues, capable of transporting significantly more people than the tunnel.
D.K. Shivakumar (Deputy CM)
While agreeing on the importance of expanding metro and suburban rail, maintains that the tunnel project is a complementary measure to transform mobility.
Public Transport Implementation
Tejasvi Surya (BJP MP)
Suggested specific measures like dedicated loop buses with exclusive lanes, and emphasizing the need for a chairperson for BMLTA and improved footpaths.
D.K. Shivakumar (Deputy CM)
Agreed to discuss Surya's suggestions with officials, acknowledged the need for public transport expansion, but questioned the practicality of allowing more private buses.
- Meeting Participants
- Tejasvi Surya (BJP MP), D.K. Shivakumar (Deputy CM of Karnataka)
- Date
- Tuesday
- Key Proposal by Surya
- Scrap the tunnel road project, divert funds to metro and suburban rail expansion.
- Shivakumar's Stance on Tunnel Project
- Believes it will transform mobility, bypass bottlenecks, and save travel time.
- Surya's Alternative Suggestions
- Expand metro and suburban rail, introduce dedicated loop buses with exclusive lanes on ORR, appoint chairperson for BMLTA, improve footpaths.
- Shivakumar's Response
- Open to reviewing suggestions, agreed to seek central funds for public transport, questioned allowing more private buses.
- Lalbagh Concerns
- Surya assured no damage to Lalbagh; Shivakumar stated only entry/exit points at corners and no land acquisition within the garden.
Sources
Bengaluru Tunnel Road Won’t End Traffic Woes, Move People, Not Vehicles: Tejasvi Surya To Shivakumar
Tejasvi Surya urges scrapping of Bengaluru tunnel project; pitches metro, suburban rail expansion
BJP MP Surya meets Dy CM Shivakumar; discusses Bengaluru tunnel project, traffic congestion
‘Built Like Tokyo, Now Maze Of Potholes’: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya’s Post Highlights Bengaluru’s Poor Condition
Tejasvi Surya opposes Bengaluru tunnel project, pitches for mass transit plan
Trees not being cut in Lalbagh for twin tunnel project: Government to Karnataka High Court
