Congestion tax is not on government's agenda: DK Shivakumar

Dakshin Dialogues, a conclave conducted by The South First featured a segment on Brand Bengaluru featuring Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar who also holds the portfolio for Bengaluru Development in conversation with Revathy Ashok , CEO and Managing Trustee of B-PAC. 

DK Shivakumar talked about the immediate problems plaguing the city and acting as an impediment in the realisation of the ideal “Brand Bengaluru”. “Bengaluru is not a planned city. Traffic is a major problem. 3 hours are dedicated to travel by most office goers. The attitude of many against public transport is a major weakness. Everyone wants to own a car. I have been pushing for the tunnel road along the Outer Ring Road. I am not sure if  I will be successful but I’m giving my best. Solid waste management is another issue. We have failed for many years on this front. Many companies were given contracts by the government to deal with this issue. The attempt to convert it into power has not borne fruit. Water is another issue. We marched for the Mekedatu Dam regarding this,” he stated.  

He clarified that congestion tax is not on the government’s agenda. “Indian culture is not well suited for this agenda. Citizens need to be educated regarding this,” he mentioned. “Furthermore, a substitute of robust and efficient public transport in these areas needs to be in place for the implementation of this system,” Revathy Ashok mentioned.