After flak, DK Shivakumar denies congestion tax proposal in Bengaluru

Facing public criticism over the proposal to impose congestion pricing on Outer Ring Road, Deputy CM and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that the government is not considering it.

Asked if a congestion tax had been approved for Bengaluru, he said: “It is false. Some industrialists have advised this in the interest of Bangaloreans. It must be a proposal before the Union government. We don’t have any such proposal before us.”

Also, read: Karnataka unveils 90-day action plan to fix Bengaluru’s infra woes, considers congestion pricing on ORR

The September 24 meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh had, however, discussed congestion pricing on the Outer Ring Road. However, there was social media outrage over the proposal, as many questioned the logic of imposing congestion pricing on ORR without completing the Metro rail work (Blue Line) and without running adequate buses.

Sources said the meeting explored congestion pricing via the FASTag system and promoting carpooling along the stretch.

Speaking after the meeting, urban mobility expert RK Misra said measures such as carpooling and congestion pricing were discussed to manage traffic demand. On congestion pricing, Misra explained: “If a car with only one occupant enters ORR, a congestion fee may be deducted automatically via FASTag. Cars with two or more occupants won’t be charged. This is not just about building infrastructure but also managing demand. London and Singapore do it, and Bengaluru, as one of the fastest-growing cities, needs to consider it too.”

Also, read: Bengaluru to get ‘one city-one mobility card’; Karnataka aims to ease congestion by March 2026