Residents reject tunnel roads, call for people-centric infra plan in Bengaluru

To develop an alternative 'shadow master plan’ with inputs from experts

Bengaluru: A diverse group of citizens gathered on Monday and unanimously rejected newly proposed projects such as tunnel roads and elevated corridors, arguing that Bengaluru has already reached its population limit and that car-centric solutions will not improve the city's quality of life.

Instead, they resolved to develop an alternative "shadow master plan" with inputs from academic experts, highlighting the lack of a vision document that adequately addresses the city’s challenges.

The resolution was passed during a discussion led by actor Prakash Belawadi in Bengaluru.

Beyond opposing the projects, the participants agreed to form a collective group to challenge the proposals, including the possibility of legal action.

Urban planner Naresh Narasimhan stressed that Bengaluru cannot continue absorbing more people and vehicles, stating that the population has reached its breaking point. He urged authorities to focus on developing neighbouring areas like Magadi, Hosakote, and Tumakuru to create alternative growth centres.

"The city needs breathing space," he said, emphasising that people come to Bengaluru for education and employment, not for its weather or traffic. He warned that the city’s extreme population density is fuelling problems related to traffic congestion, garbage disposal, water shortages, and air pollution. “Bengaluru will remain a construction site until we die,” he added.

Prof Ashish Verma from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, pointed out the stark difference in car ownership between developed nations and Indian cities.

While developed countries have 800 cars per 1,000 people, Bengaluru’s ratio stands at 165 cars per 1,000 people. Given the city's limited landmass and growing population, he argued that the government should aim for public transportation to account for 80% of the city’s modal share.

He also warned that tunnel roads, if built, would reach full capacity almost immediately, offering no long-term solution to congestion.

Belawadi, who moderated the discussion, said there is a great need for a comprehensive master plan incorporating housing, transport, public health, and industrial development. He also questioned the city’s vision of a “civilised society”, pointing to the grim reality of vegetables being sold on dust-covered footpaths.