BJP MP Tejasvi Surya backs Peripheral Ring Road project in Bengaluru, says "Political attacks and questions will continue"

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 28 : BJP MP Tejasvi Surya on Tuesday said while political criticism and questioning the government will continue as part of democratic duty, parties must come together on major infrastructure projects like the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) to address Bengaluru's traffic problems.
Surya, who met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar earlier in the day, said the BJP supports the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project, calling it crucial for the city's long-term mobility needs, but will continue to oppose the proposed Tunnel Road plan.
"Political attacks, asking the opposition questions, asking the government questions will continue because that is the nature of our responsibilities. I also feel that as responsible citizens of the city, we must support good ideas," he said.
However, he maintained that the ambitious Rs 47,000-crore tunnel road proposal -- aimed at creating a 30-35 km high-speed corridor -- would not deliver long-term results.
"We have assured him that we will support the PRR project because it is a very important project for the city, but our opposition to the tunnel road will continue. Because if you are investing close to Rs 47,000 crore to build 30-35 kilometres of road, how will it solve Bengaluru's traffic problem?" he added.
The BJP MP said he urged the Deputy CM to drop the Tunnel Road proposal entirely, while continuing to support public transport projects.
"Even before leaving, I told him -- Sir, please drop this idea. This is not going to do the city any good. But we will support on other issues. On PRR, we will support. On suburban rail, we will work together," he said.
Surya noted that Metro projects in the city are typically delayed by 5-6 years, and both sides agreed to push for faster execution.
Calling the approach "constructive," Surya said, "It's a constructive bipartisan approach to solve long-pending problems, because the city is more important than political fights and small gains. That doesn't mean we will not oppose issues on which we don't agree."
Surya said the city needs international-standard pedestrian and road infrastructure, along with strict accountability for contractors.
"I have suggested that in mission mode, we should take up the project to make our footpaths and our city's roads the best in the world. Standardisation, changes in how tenders are called, project monitoring of contractors, and punitive measures to be taken against errant contractors who don't do their job well," he said.
He said a detailed proposal was shared with the Deputy Chief Minister during their meeting on sustainable mobility solutions for Bengaluru.
Calling the Tunnel Road plan inadequate to address traffic issues, Surya said public transport expansion must take priority.
"My position on Tunnel Road, our party's position on Tunnel Road, remains the same. We want to promote public transport. An 18 km road is not going to be the solution for Bengaluru's traffic," he said.
Surya claimed that Shivakumar agreed that only public transport can provide long-term decongestion.
"He agrees wholeheartedly that public transport is the only solution. I hope that, in line with that, he will drop the tunnel road idea, and more sustainable public transport options will be given encouragement and support," the MP added.