Metro expansion insufficient, says Karnataka minister
Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Krishna Byre Gowda, has defended the state government's focus on large road projects, asserting that the metro rail system alone cannot solve Bengaluru's chronic traffic congestion. Speaking in an exclusive interview, he emphasized that the city must simultaneously expand both public transport and road networks to keep pace with rapid urbanization and a surge in vehicle ownership.
Rising vehicle numbers demand multi-modal approach
According to government data, Bengaluru adds approximately 500 to 600 new vehicles every day, pushing the total registered vehicles beyond 8 million. Gowda argued that relying solely on the metro, which currently carries around 500,000 passengers daily, would be inadequate. "Metro alone can't solve Bengaluru traffic. We need a comprehensive strategy that includes road widening, flyovers, and elevated corridors," he said.
Defending big-ticket road projects
The minister pointed to ongoing projects such as the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) and the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) as critical to decongesting the city. He noted that the PRR, once completed, is expected to divert up to 30% of through traffic away from the city core. Critics have questioned the environmental impact and displacement caused by these projects, but Gowda maintained that the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term costs.
Waste management and other civic challenges
Beyond traffic, Gowda also addressed waste management, another pressing issue for Bengaluru. The city generates around 4,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, and the government is pushing for decentralized processing plants. He said, "We are moving towards a zero-landfill model by 2030, with each ward handling its own waste." He cited the success of pilot projects in wards like HSR Layout, where waste segregation rates have improved to over 70%.
Balancing growth and sustainability
Gowda acknowledged the tension between development and environment but argued that Bengaluru's economic growth—contributing nearly 40% to Karnataka's GDP—requires robust infrastructure. "We cannot halt growth. The answer lies in better planning and technology," he said, adding that the government is exploring green alternatives like permeable pavements and rain gardens for new road projects.
Public transport ridership and future plans
While defending road expansion, Gowda stressed that metro and bus services remain priorities. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) operates over 6,000 buses, carrying about 4 million passengers daily. The government plans to add 1,000 electric buses by 2027. "Public transport and roads are complementary, not competing," he stated.
Quote from the interview
"We cannot build a world-class city with a 20th-century transport system. The metro is essential, but it is not a silver bullet. We need a multi-layered approach," Gowda told the interviewer.
