Activists across all sections of society, in a single voice, opposed the proposed elevated corridor in the city. They said the amount for the construction of the corridor, Rs 33,600 crore, solve the traffic issues in the city, instead, the amount must be used to strengthen the existing transport system and improve public health and the education system.
Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike organised a public discussion on “Elevated Corridors- the need for alternatives” here on Saturday.
V P Niranjan Aradhya, senior fellow and head at Universalisation of Equitable Quality Education Program, NLSIU said that the amount meant for the corridors can do wonders for the government schools in Karnataka.
“Education has become a fundamental right, but the budget allocation is still very less. Delhi has been reserving a high percentage of the budget towards education, but Karnataka is lagging behind. In fact, in Rs. 33,600 crore every child in Karnataka can have access to a great education system,” he added.
Bus Prayanikara Vedike member, Shaheen Shasa, demanded more buses be added to decongest the city traffic.
“Metro, even after the completion of Phase 2, may not reach its estimated ridership of 15 Lakh. BMTC with 6,200 buses has a ridership of 45 lakh. By increasing the capacity of BMTC, creating more space and priority for buses on the road, improving last mile connectivity, and reducing bus fares can significantly increase the ridership in buses and reduce congestion in the city,” she added.
Narasimha Murthy, convenor of Slum Janandolana, Karnataka asked the government to spend the amount on at least 6 lakh houses for the homeless. Dr. Sylvia Karpagam, a public health activist demanded that the amount be spent to improve public health and tackle malnutrition.