Deputy CM rules out imposing congestion tax, goes on city rounds

BENGALURU: Reacting reports that the state government may be considering imposing a congestion tax in Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said there will be no congestion tax now. “Some industrialists have suggested introducing it, but we haven’t discussed it yet”.

Stating that his city rounds will continue, the Deputy CM said, “I will organise a programme where they can interact with all citizens. I will share more details about this in the coming days”.

Regarding potholes, DK Shivakumar said, “We are transforming Bengaluru and we will also change people’s perceptions. We have asked the public to report potholes and the quality of our roads is improving. We have undertaken white-topping work, and despite having 1.5 crore vehicles in Bengaluru, with 50 lakh vehicles plying on the roads daily, we are working to improve our roads”.

The problem of potholes in the city is increasing day by day, resulting in deaths and injuries and sparking public outrage against the government. Despite attempts to fill potholes, they reappear, causing further issues.

The pothole problem has become a significant embarrassment for the government, prompting Deputy Chief Minister to sternly instruct officials to fill the potholes. However, it has been revealed that the hasty repairs are substandard, with the asphalt crumbling within days, further fueling public anger against the GBA.

Following this, DK Shivakumar went around the city on Tuesday evening to inspect the filled potholes. He reviewed the condition of the roads and assessed the progress of the repairs.

The Deputy Chief Minister has instructed the GBA and police to register complaints against individuals who dump garbage and debris on the roads. Those found guilty will face legal action and their vehicles will be seized.

The government has allocated Rs 1,100 crore to make the city pothole-free and improve ward roads. So far, over 13,000 potholes have been filled, and GPS-tagged photos have been collected as evidence. The Deputy Chief Minister has also set up a WhatsApp helpline for citizens.