Somanna Blames IT Growth for Bengaluru Traffic, Targets D K Shivakumar
Union Minister V Somanna said Bengaluru’s severe traffic congestion is driven by rapid IT growth and population influx, criticising political delays and stressing infrastructure focused solutions instead of constant debates.
Bengaluru: Union Minister V Somanna has weighed in on Bengaluru’s growing traffic crisis, saying the city’s popularity and expanding IT and BT corridors are the main reasons behind worsening congestion. He remarked that people from across the country continue to settle in Bengaluru and rarely return, steadily increasing pressure on roads.
Reacting to claims that Bengaluru tops global traffic congestion rankings, Somanna said criticism alone would not solve the issue. Without directly naming him, he took a swipe at Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, stating that political debates and repeated announcements without execution only waste valuable time.
According to the minister, Bengaluru’s pleasant climate, strong IT ecosystem, and wide range of business opportunities have turned the city into a permanent destination for professionals. The continuous flow of commuters towards IT BT business corridors has sharply increased vehicle density, making traffic management a daily challenge.
Somanna stressed that development planning must realistically factor in population growth and employment patterns. He argued that infrastructure decisions should be guided by ground realities rather than political narratives or delayed promises of underground projects.
Speaking about the Bengaluru suburban railway project, Somanna said the initiative was discussed with the Prime Minister during his tenure as infrastructure minister when Basavaraj Bommai was the Chief Minister. He noted that talks are now underway between the Centre and the state to take the project forward.
He described the suburban rail network as a crucial long term solution to Bengaluru’s traffic problem, capable of easing road congestion while supporting sustainable urban growth. The project, he said, holds strategic importance for the city’s future mobility needs.
On questions regarding project deadlines, Somanna said it was premature to announce timelines. He added that a new managing director has been appointed and discussions will be held to provide clear directions and accelerate progress wherever possible.
