Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar promises 'massive' infra push in richest Bengaluru corporation

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday conducted a ‘Conversation with Citizens’ under the ‘Bengaluru Nadige’ campaign in K R Puram, engaging directly with residents at Vengaiah Park in T C Palya.

The DyCM, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, announced a major infrastructural focus in the newly formed Bengaluru East City Corporation (BEC), calling it the "richest corporation in the state."

Responding to questions about the perceived lack of development in the wealthy region, Shivakumar pointed to the area’s financial strength, noting that the BEC, while covering only two assembly constituencies, is a "small area but a wealthy constituency" housing numerous IT/BT and other companies.

He announced that under the new policy for the BEC, a huge amount of money will be spent solely within the corporation’s 50 wards. “This is a great opportunity for the IT sector and the residents of East Bengaluru. We are going to spend a huge amount on this constituency now,” he stated.

The ambitious plans include providing “the best international infrastructure” by exploring projects ranging from flyovers and metro connectivity, and tunnel roads.

Welcomes Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's offer

Shivakumar also addressed a recent post by Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on X, where she had offered to develop 10-15 roads in Bengaluru.

Shivakumar welcomed the proposition, saying, “I’m very happy. No one has talked to me regarding this. What they want, let them come and give it to me in writing. I will give it to them. Let them develop.”

To ensure all public grievances are captured, the DyCM provided an alternative channel for those who could not attend the event in person: "Those who couldn’t talk to me, can call 1533 and share their problems. We are going to sort it all out soon."

He said: "All the citizens I have met have shared their grievances, and it has all been recorded. Our officials will get back to them. Our commissioner has also recorded their concerns, and these videos have been saved and translated to 3 languages through Artificial Intelligence."

The DyCM assured residents that development works would commence immediately. He was accompanied by local MLA Byrathi Basavaraj and Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner M Maheshwara Rao.