Improving Bengaluru’s Infrastructure: A Collaborative Approach

Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has recently acknowledged Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s proposal to enhance Bengaluru’s roads and infrastructure, asserting that the city’s primary issue lies in execution rather than financing.

P. Chidambaram expressed enthusiastic support for Mrs Kiran Mazumdar Shaw’s offer to finance the development of certain roads in Bengaluru, describing it as a commendable proposal. However, he highlighted the real challenge within public projects as not being a lack of funds, but rather the effective execution of these public works.

Revising Public Works Models

Chidambaram proposed that the government could modify the model suggested by the Biocon chairperson, which utilises public funds along with tender processes for selecting contractors. In this model, the oversight of the projects would be managed by companies or industrialists.

He explained that while contractors would carry out public works such as road construction, the supervising companies or industrialists would bear responsibility for the quality and timeliness of the execution. If there are penalties or budget overruns, those costs would fall on the supervising entities. He considered Bengaluru or Chennai as suitable locations to trial this innovative approach.

Public Disputes Over Infrastructure

These statements emerged amid a public disagreement between Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. Shivakumar accused Shaw of harbouring a personal agenda against the state government, questioning why she had not raised concerns during the BJP administration.

Shaw responded robustly, asserting that both she and fellow critic TV Mohandas Pai had consistently raised issues regarding the declining infrastructure to previous governments, including those led by the BJP and JDS. She emphasized their clear goal: to improve and repair the roads.

Concerns from Business Visitors

The Biocon chairperson had spotlighted the infrastructure issues in Bengaluru after an international business visitor to Biocon Park expressed shock at the poor condition of the city’s roads and sanitation. The visitor queried why the roads were in disrepair and questioned the government’s commitment to supporting investment, especially after witnessing better infrastructure in China.

Government Efforts to Address Issues

Shivakumar defended the state government’s action plan, acknowledging existing challenges but reaffirming that they are being addressed with dedication and speed. He shared statistics to bolster his argument, stating that Rs 1,100 crore has been allocated for road repairs, identifying more than 10,000 potholes, and prioritising the fixing of over 5,000 thus far.

Additionally, under the Greater Bengaluru Authority, the East Corporation is set to retain Rs 1,673 crore of its revenues to enhance infrastructure across 50 wards. Shivakumar concluded by stating, with major projects like the CSB–K R Puram redevelopment and Elevated Corridors underway, the government is working to strengthen infrastructure for citizens, employees, and businesses alike. He encouraged a unifying approach, suggesting that rather than dismantling Bengaluru, efforts should focus on building it up together.