Bengaluru
Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Tuesday said the Bengaluru-Tumakuru Metro Project could significantly reduce traffic and population pressure on Bengaluru.
Speaking to the media, he highlighted that thousands of people travel daily from Tumkur, Nelamangala, Dabaspet, and Katsandra to Bengaluru for work and industry-related purposes.
Dr. Parameshwar noted that these areas are growing rapidly, and residents face issues like water shortages and traffic congestion in the city. “If we develop road, rail, and metro connectivity to Tumkur, Ramanagara, and Kolar, the pressure on Bengaluru will decrease,” he said.
The minister emphasized Tumkur’s industrial growth, mentioning Asia’s largest industrial area has been built on 20,000 acres, hosting 200 industries, a food park, a Japanese Timex factory, and a township. He questioned why there would be any opposition to improving connectivity to such a fast-growing region.
Two years ago, Dr. Parameshwar proposed extending a metro to Tumkur. A feasibility study, conducted as announced in the 2024 state budget, gave a positive report, and the government has now cleared the way for the Detailed Project Report (DPR). Several companies, including a Qatar-based investor, have expressed interest in participating under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Responding to criticism from MP Tejaswi Surya, the minister said the remarks were made without proper knowledge of the project. He stressed that state development should come first, beyond political differences. “Karnataka is a progressive state. We must focus on growth, not negativity,” he said, citing examples of modern transport systems in Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur.
Dr. Parameshwar also addressed cybercrime, mentioning a case of large-scale digital fraud where 187 transactions were made from a woman’s bank account. Authorities have identified the accused, operating from Bangalore and the U.S., and are investigating the case.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of planning and connectivity to support Karnataka’s industrial, educational, and population growth while ensuring the safety and development of its citizens.