“If 100 people come to Bengaluru, only five leave,” Karnataka's minister for large and medium industries and infrastructure development MB Patil has said in response to a query on the tech capital’s traffic woes.
“Bengaluru is not just home to Bengalureans; people from across the country come here—whether from Uttar Pradesh, northern India, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, or elsewhere. Youngsters arrive for education and work, and we’re also witnessing an influx of expats. However, there’s very little reverse migration, which puts immense pressure on our infrastructure,” Patil said at the CNBC TV18 and Moneycontrol Global AI Conclave in Bengaluru on November 22.
Bengaluru's infrastructure has been thrust into the spotlight as the tech hub struggles with traffic jams and rain woes, which have, on several occasions this year, disrupted daily life. The minister during the conclave sought to address the issues plaguing the state capital and also the contentious issue of reservations for locals.
On traffic congestion
"Bengaluru is a global city and one of the top 25 dynamic cities in the world. Around half of its population is from outside Karnataka. Naturally, this impacts traffic, infrastructure, and the number of vehicles. Even middle-class families here often own two cars, not just one" said Patil.
He said that state government is working on solutions. "For instance, deputy chief minister is focusing on tunnel roads and flyovers. Things are gradually improving. Let me share an example—when I was in San Francisco, it took one hour and forty-five minutes for our IT minister Priyank Kharge to travel to the Consul General’s residence for dinner. Yet, no one complains there" said Patil.
Also, read: Bengaluru’s second airport: Karnataka to send proposal to AAI this week, says MB Patil
On job reservations for Kannadigas
The minister said: "There’s a natural sentiment among Kannadigas, much like native Americans in the US, who seek job opportunities for their own communities. Here in Karnataka, people expect opportunities for their children as well. However, most companies are already exceeding our requirements".
"For instance, our industrial policy mandates that companies receiving state incentives hire 80 percent local employees for category D jobs and 50 percent for category C jobs. These targets are being met without enforcement issues" said Patil.
Also read: Global AI Conclave: 80% agreements signed during investors meet will materialise, says MB Patil
Impact of poll guarantees on infra funding
"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has presented more than 15 budgets. He understands finances and ensures that guarantees do not affect development projects. The guarantee money empowers people and cycles back into the system. While there were minor challenges in the first year, funds for infrastructure and development are being allocated as planned" said Patil.
"In fact, the Prime Minister himself has been announcing guarantees in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Within six months of coming to power, our government has delivered on our promises, and there will be no shortfall in developmental initiatives because of guarantees." he adds.
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