Greater Bengaluru Authority key to tackling city challenges, says DCM D K Shivakumar

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar outlined Bengaluru’s urban challenges and the role of the Greater Bengaluru Authority in managing population growth, mobility, and civic services during a B.PAC session.

Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development minister DK Shivakumar, speaking at a Bengaluru Political Action Committee (B.PAC) event on Wednesday, shared insights into the challenges and planning for the city’s future under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).

Shivakumar noted that Bengaluru, with over 1.27 crore vehicles and rapid population growth, faces serious issues in mobility, waste management, and water supply. “Bengaluru is not a planned city. Students and youth move here in search of education and jobs, and infrastructure must keep pace with public inflow,” he said.

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He referred to ongoing mega infrastructure projects like the Twin Tunnel Road, Elevated Corridor, Road on Stormwater Drain Buffer Zone, and the Bengaluru Business Corridor from Kogilu to Electronic City, explaining the complexity of execution, such as Tunnel Road requiring imported machinery from China or Germany.

Shivakumar highlighted the role of smaller corporations carved out under the GBA, which allow faster delivery of civic services. “Decentralisation ensures roads, streetlights, water supply, and garbage issues are addressed more efficiently,” he added.

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On governance and representation, he pointed out that 50% of the 368 wards in upcoming corporation elections will be reserved for women, emphasizing the need for women leaders in administration.

GBA Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao added that the restructuring provides greater bandwidth to address core urban challenges and coordinate funding with parastatal agencies. While mobility is not a formal chapter under GBA, he noted it remains a key focus area for planning.

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