Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar Takes Metro Ride to Avoid Traffic Disruption, Signals Move Away from VIP Culture
Chief Minister chooses Bengaluru Metro over zero traffic protocol to prevent inconvenience to commuters following public outrage over VIP convoy disruptions.
In a move being widely seen as a step towards reducing VIP culture, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar travelled by Bengaluru Metro on Sunday instead of using the usual zero traffic arrangements reserved for top officials.
The decision comes days after a major public backlash over a traffic blockade caused by a VIP convoy, which reportedly delayed a pregnant woman on her way to a hospital.
Shivakumar travelled from Vidhana Soudha to Silk Institute station on the Namma Metro network, sharing the journey with regular commuters. The visit marked his first trip to his home constituency of Kanakapura after assuming office.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, implementing a zero traffic corridor from his residence in Sadashivanagar to Kanakapura Road would have caused significant inconvenience to thousands of commuters travelling through Bengaluru on a weekend.
To avoid disrupting traffic and public movement, Shivakumar opted to use the Metro instead of travelling by road under special security arrangements.
During the journey, he interacted with passengers, listened to their concerns and enquired about their experiences using the Metro system. After reaching the last Metro station on Kanakapura Main Road, he continued the remainder of his journey by road.
Responding to questions about Metro fares, Shivakumar said the government would examine the pricing structure and explore ways to make public transport more affordable and accessible.
The move gains significance in the backdrop of a recent controversy involving the convoy of Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot. Traffic had been halted near the Wind Tunnel Junction due to the Governor’s movement, leading to severe congestion.
A man whose pregnant wife was reportedly stuck in the traffic jam staged a protest on the road, saying he was unable to reach the hospital because of the blockade. A video of the incident went viral, triggering widespread criticism of Bengaluru’s traffic management and VIP movement protocols.
Following the public outrage, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge held discussions with senior police officials and directed them to find alternative ways of managing VIP movements without completely blocking traffic.
Officials have been asked to explore measures such as synchronised traffic signals and improved route planning to ensure that emergency vehicles and ambulances can move freely even during VIP visits.
Shivakumar’s Metro journey is being viewed as a reflection of the government’s efforts to respond to public concerns and reduce the inconvenience caused by VIP travel arrangements.