Now, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw backs tunnel road project in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Amid criticism over the utility of the tunnel road project in Bengaluru, Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw extended support, noting several global cities have such systems.

"In every city in the world, tunnels can cut the distance and create new passageways. I think it is important,” Kiran told DH on the sidelines of an event,  marking the 25th annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the city on Sunday.

An Honorary Consul General of Ireland, Kiran said Bengaluru has become too large for its existing road network. While noting that the Metro has begun to reduce travel time, she stressed the need for a full network to ensure seamless connectivity.

“The traffic has improved, I came much faster to the venue today than I normally do,” she said. She also said a holistic approach is required. “It is not just the Metro. The roads have to be done; the traffic signalling has to be better.”

The event, co-hosted by HE Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to India, celebrated Kiran’s long-standing role, since 2001, in fostering bilateral ties spanning innovation, trade, and technology between the two nations.

Kelly noted that Ireland, while one of 27 EU countries, accounts for 10 per cent of total EU trade with India, amounting to nearly EUR 16 billion. “There is a real uptick in our relationship, from partnerships between universities to our Supreme Courts. We need to get it to go even further,” Kelly said.

The event was attended by members of the city’s Irish community and prominent industry leaders.