Biocon chairman Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Saturday welcomed the revival of construction work on the long-delayed Ejipura flyover in Bengaluru, terming it a “positive development” and lashing out at the previous BJP and JD(S) governments for not prioritizing the project.
“This is a positive development that will significantly ease traffic congestion and has been in the works for 10 years, which was not prioritized by the previous BJP and JDS governments. Making it a priority is a good step,” Shaw wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
She was reacting to a post by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who announced that the construction of the flyover along the Koramangala-Ejipura section has been resumed in its entirety. “We are committed to completing the project by June 2026 and ensuring that this vital link serves our residents without further delay,” he said.
Aimed at easing one of Bengaluru’s worst traffic hubs, the Ejipura flyover has been stalled for nearly a decade due to repeated delays. Shaw’s latest remarks signal a shift in tone from her previous criticism of the government over Bengaluru’s civic infrastructure.
Earlier this week, Shaw sparked a public spat with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar after raising criticism from a foreign visitor about poor roads and garbage near Biocon Park. “I had a foreign business visitor to Biocon Park who said, ‘Why are the roads so bad and why is there so much rubbish? Doesn’t the government want to encourage investment?'” Shaw wrote.
At the time, Shivakumar sharply replied, “If she wants to develop them (roads), let her do it. If she comes and asks, we will give her roads.”
But the latest exchange marks a thaw between the businessman and the state government, as Shaw acknowledged a renewed focus on long-overdue civic projects that could ease daily commute hassles in the city.
(Tagtentranslate)Kiran mazumdar shaw
