Bengaluru: A meeting between Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sparked interest amidst an ongoing debate over Bengaluru's infrastructure. The discussion follows a recent escalation in tensions between Shivakumar and prominent corporate figures, including Mazumdar-Shaw and former Infosys director TV Mohandas Pai, regarding the city's deteriorating infrastructure.
The controversy ignited after Mazumdar-Shaw and Pai voiced concerns about Bengaluru's crumbling infrastructure, prompting a response from Shivakumar who suggested that critics had a "personal agenda" and had been silent during previous administrations. Mazumdar-Shaw refuted these claims, asserting that she and Pai had consistently criticized the declining infrastructure under previous BJP and JD(S) governments. She emphasized that their primary goal is to improve and restore the city's roads.
Shivakumar, unfazed by the criticism, defended the government's efforts by highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, including tunnel roads, elevated corridors, double-decker flyovers, and buffer roads, totaling over ₹1 lakh crore. He affirmed that these projects aim for the "integrated development" of Bengaluru and pointed to the formation of five corporations to bring governance closer to the people. He also remarked that industrialists should not forget the city's role in their success.
However, Mazumdar-Shaw later softened her stance, responding positively to updates regarding the Ejipura flyover project. She acknowledged it as a "positive development" that would significantly alleviate traffic congestion, noting that previous administrations had not prioritized the project.
The public discourse underscores growing discontent among Bengaluru's business leaders and residents concerning persistent traffic congestion, delayed civic projects, and perceived governance challenges in the city. Mazumdar-Shaw had previously highlighted the issue of garbage and poor roads in Bengaluru, recounting concerns raised by an overseas business visitor. Shivakumar responded to Mazumdar-Shaw's criticism by stating that she was welcome to develop roads herself and that the government would provide assistance if requested.
In a recent development, the Karnataka cabinet approved the Bengaluru Business Corridor project, a 117-kilometer infrastructure initiative aimed at reducing the city's traffic congestion by 40 percent. The project, expected to be completed within two years, will include six-lane carriageways, service roads, and a dedicated corridor for a future metro line.
Furthermore, Shivakumar has been actively engaging with citizens through the "Bengaluru Nadige" campaign, directly addressing their grievances and concerns. He has also announced a major infrastructural focus on the newly formed Bengaluru East City Corporation (BEC), earmarking substantial funds for development within the corporation's 50 wards. He has also encouraged citizens to report issues and promised action against corrupt officials.
These developments occur against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to improve Bengaluru's infrastructure, including the Ejipura flyover project, which is expected to be completed by June 2026. Shivakumar recently inspected the construction site, expressing satisfaction with the progress and assuring that the government is committed to completing the project without further delays.
The meeting between Mazumdar-Shaw and Shivakumar signals a potential opportunity for collaboration and constructive dialogue to address Bengaluru's infrastructure challenges and foster sustainable development.
