KPCC spokesperson M. Lakshman at a press conference in Mysuru on Sunday. | Photo credit: MA SRIRAM
Taking a sharp exception to the opposition to the proposed flyover projects in Mysuru, KPCC spokesperson M. Lakshman on Sunday clarified that flyovers on Vinoba and JLB Roads along with underpasses were planned to ease the growing traffic congestion. He claimed that the government was determined to continue with the works despite the objections raised by the BJP.
Mr Lakshman was reacting to remarks by Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar that the affected road sections have heritage value and that he would consider legal options if the proposals were to go ahead.
Accusing the BJP of being “anti-development”, Mr Lakshman said: “In Bengaluru, a BJP MP opposes the tunnel project and in Mysuru, the local MP opposes the construction of flyovers. The opposition is purely political.”
Speaking to presspersons in Mysuru, Mr. Lakshman said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has initiated projects to prepare the city for the traffic demands over the next decade and prevent the congestion that Bengaluru currently experiences. Soil testing is already underway as part of the proposals here, he noted.
Claiming that no previous chief minister had sanctioned development funds for Mysuru on this scale, Mr Lakshman said the city had received ₹3,200 crore during Mr Siddaramaiah’s previous tenure and ₹3,500 crore so far in his current tenure. “When the Chief Minister has pledged to improve Mysuru, the BJP is protesting unnecessarily,” he said.
The proposed flyover from Metropole Circle to Hinkal is planned as a four-lane structure requiring approximately 15 acres of land. About 212 trees may need to be cut and about 75 buildings could be affected. The project is planned keeping in mind an estimated future traffic load of two million passenger car units (PCUs) with provisions for a possible future metro line, Mr. Lakshman said.
Similarly, the proposed flyover on JLB Road — from Dasappa Circle near the railway station to Nanjangud Road junction near JSS College — will require 13.56 acres of land and may involve removal of about 192 trees and demolition of about 75 structures. The project was planned keeping in mind the expected increase in traffic along the stretch, explained Mr. Lakshman.
The government plans to complete the work on the flyover within 12 months and the facility will be free of charge, he added.
Opposing the proposals, Mr. Yaduveer pointed out that the roads selected for the project have heritage value and could lead to felling of many trees.
The deputy stated that the road sections are surrounded by historical buildings and lined with dense greenery. While there may be traffic problems beyond Hootagalli Junction, there are no such problems between Metropole Circle and Aishwarya Petrol Bunk on Vinoba Road, he said. Projects of this scale require feasibility studies and public consultation; None of this seems to have been done, Mr. Yaduveer argued, stressing the need for scientific town planning.
Published – 9 Nov 2025 20:29 IST
