Only R Ashoka, Tejasvi Surya are against tunnel road project: D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said only two BJP leaders — former minister R Ashoka and Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya — are opposing and “speaking against" the proposed tunnel road project.

He hinted that most BJP MLAs are in favour of the project and questioned the party’s contribution to Bengaluru’s development when it was in power.

“We will do our work. Seeing our interest, people are supporting our efforts. I am confident that our work will be implemented,” Shivakumar told reporters.

Responding to Surya’s criticism of the project, he said, “I am not a technical expert on this issue. He is also not an expert. That is why there is a separate team of technical experts.”

Responding to Surya’s call for expanding the Namma Metro and suburban rail network, he agreed that the city’s mass rapid transport system should indeed grow.

"Let it be done — there’s nothing wrong with that. The central government should provide the necessary funds. V Somanna, from our own state, is a Union minister. Let him (Surya) seek his help and do whatever he wants. If he wants to oppose the tunnel road, let him go ahead,” he said.

The proposal is to build a 16.5-km tunnel road between Central Silk Board and Hebbal, aimed at easing traffic congestion.