Congestion Tax For Solo Drivers In Bengaluru? Deputy CM Shivakumar Clears The Air

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday ruled out any move by the state government to impose a “congestion tax” in Bengaluru, amid reports that such a measure had been discussed as part of plans to tackle the city’s traffic problems.

Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, dismissed the opposition BJP’s attack on the issue, suggesting that if at all, such a proposal could be a central government plan.

According to official sources, the idea of a congestion levy had come up during a recent meeting on decongesting Bengaluru, where urban experts suggested discouraging single-occupant cars and piloting the initiative along the busy Outer Ring Road (ORR).

Addressing reporters, Shivakumar said, “All those things

are false. There is no such tax. Some industrialists have offered suggestions for the benefit of Bengaluru’s citizens, but nothing has reached my level. Many citizens are voluntarily giving suggestions, and those will be examined.”

Responding to BJP criticism, the Deputy CM said, “Such proposals are for the Centre to consider. Our government has no such plan.”

Earlier, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka attacked the Congress government, calling it a “Tughlaq administration.”

He argued that the government should prioritize fixing Bengaluru’s roads before considering any new taxes.

“Without repairing the roads, they want to burden citizens. How much tax will they levy on the cars of ministers who mostly travel alone?” Ashoka asked.