Deputy CM Shivakumar Urges ₹1.5 Lakh Crore Central Aid to Upgrade Bengaluru Infrastructure

Swift Summary

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-awaited Yellow Line of Bengaluru’s Namma Metro on Sunday.
• Deputy CM and Bengaluru Advancement minister D.K. Shivakumar has requested ₹1.5 lakh crore funding from the Center for large-scale infrastructure projects in Bengaluru.
• Key proposed projects include:

– Five regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors, modeled after Delhi-Meerut’s “Namo Bharat” network.
– Two urban tunnels and elevated corridors along national highways costing ₹41,780 crore.
– peripheral Ring Road project estimated at ₹27,000 crore.
– Expansion of Namma Metro network under Phases 3 and 3A with new corridors covering an additional 128 km.
– Development of arterial road corridors (₹15,000 crore) and double-decker elevated roads (₹8,916 crore).
– Construction of four integrated solid waste management plants (₹3,200 crore) and stormwater drain roads spanning 300 km at a cost of ₹3,000 crore.

• The proposal also includes implementing the sixth stage of the Cauvery Water Supply Scheme for nearly ₹6,939 crore.
• Mr. shivakumar highlighted Bengaluru’s role as India’s technology hub and its position as the second-largest tax contributor while stressing critical problems like traffic congestion and inadequate water management.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Deputy CM Shivakumar’s appeal to the Central government underscores an urgent call for investment to address pressing urban challenges in Bengaluru-the heartbeat of India’s tech ecosystem.With severe issues like traffic bottlenecks threatening productivity levels and sustainability in India’s second-largest tax-contributing city, these proposals aim to transform infrastructure holistically.

Modeling transit systems on prosperous projects like Delhi-Meerut’s RRTS enhances operational credibility while reinforcing inter-city connectivity plans with such corridors.Moreover, expansion plans for Namma metro align with global expectations from a city touted as a leading innovation centre.

If approved, large-scale funding like what is requested could considerably advance liveability metrics but would require both clarity during execution stages as well as impact monitoring mechanisms in managing environmental consequences tied to tunnel construction or metro expansions.

In advocating parity with developmental aid provided elsewhere-specifically Delhi-the state highlights inequality perceptions that might demand nuanced governmental responses balancing federal-city resource sharing policies across key urban hubs nationwide.

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