Amidst a rising tide of public criticism regarding Bengaluru’s deteriorating infrastructure, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also serves as the Bengaluru Development Minister, addressed the concerns on Sunday. He subtly criticized detractors, suggesting they had ‘forgotten their roots’.
The occasion was his ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ initiative, held at Veerayodhara Vana in the city’s southeast. Despite initiating the public dialogue by promising, ‘The voice is yours, the solution is ours,’ the event quickly became a stage for Shivakumar to push back against the widespread criticism.
He specifically targeted online critics, stating, ‘Those who arrived in Bengaluru and prospered here have seemingly forgotten their humble beginnings. To disregard your roots is to forfeit your future rewards.’ Shivakumar asserted that such negative comments did not faze him.
While dismissing some online posts as ‘extreme criticism,’ Shivakumar conceded, ‘Naturally, we embrace constructive criticism as it strengthens our democracy. However, some individuals are taking it to an excessive degree.’
Interestingly, the Deputy Chief Minister seemed less comfortable on Sunday compared to previous ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ events. He started by commending Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, but as the initial speakers focused solely on praising Reddy, Shivakumar had to intervene, urging, ‘Enough praise for the MLA; now, let’s hear about the actual problems.’
Residents brought forward a range of critical issues, including inadequate sewage treatment, frequent flooding, stalled infrastructure projects such as the infamous Ejipura Flyover, and the scarcity of reliable bus services.
Raghu, President of the 4th Block Koramangala Residents’ Welfare Association, highlighted the sluggish pace of the project linking Defence Road from Lower Agram to the Intermediate Ring Road (IRR), and further extending from the IRR to Iblur and Bellandur. He pressed officials to accelerate administrative approvals.
Harish, from Teachers’ Colony, raised concerns about the service road alongside the Outer Ring Road in southeastern Bengaluru, which is frequently encroached by hawkers and street vendors, creating significant obstacles for pedestrians.
Local residents also voiced deep worry over recurring flooding in areas like S.T. Bed Layout, Ejipura, Rajendra Nagar, and Venkateshwara Layout. They called for a sustainable solution, proposing the construction of a parallel drainage system, similar to the one between Sony Signal and Bellandur Lake.
Shivashankar, another resident from S.T. Bed Layout, proposed desilting Bellandur Lake as a measure to mitigate the flooding issue.
T. Babu, President of the BTM Layout Welfare Association, argued that the 5% guidance value fee for converting B-Khata properties to A-Khata would disproportionately burden middle-class households. He advocated for a revised fee structure based on land area.
R. Sunderesh, a Koramangala resident, highlighted the uncontrolled proliferation of Paying Guest (PG) accommodations, a sentiment shared by several other attendees.
Despite the extensive list of problems, many residents commended Mr. Reddy for his easy accessibility and prompt action on public complaints. Deputy CM Shivakumar acknowledged their praise, remarking, ‘You residents are fortunate to have such a dedicated MLA.’
As Mr. Reddy handled numerous local issues, the Deputy Chief Minister strategically shifted focus to his own major infrastructure initiatives, such as the proposed Tunnel Road, the Bengaluru Business Corridor, plans for 13 elevated corridors, the e-Khata system, and the process to convert B-Khata to A-Khata properties.
Ejipura Flyover: A Long-Awaited Promise
Many residents pressed for an update on the 2.38-kilometer Ejipura Flyover, a project plagued by significant delays. Mr. Shivakumar offered reassurance, promising completion by March 2026. He subsequently conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing construction.
Addressing the growing discontent from IT companies regarding Bengaluru’s infrastructure challenges, Shivakumar declared his intention to convene a dedicated meeting with IT sector representatives, mirroring the ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ format.
He concluded by stating, ‘Ramalinga Reddy, Priyank Kharge, M.B. Patil, and I will hold a joint meeting with the IT companies very soon.’