MP Simha starts a debate on name for Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway

Mysuru: It seems there is no end to the controversies surrounding the 117-kilometer-long Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway. After allegations and counter-allegations over the motorway design and quality of construction, now the leaders are engaged in a fierce debate on the naming of the National Highway.
Even though the Union minister for highways, Nitin Gadkari, has made it clear that there is no proposal for naming the highway, leaders are divided over the issue. However, the public are more concerned with increasing accidents, poor quality of service roads and possibility of heavy toll collection.
It all started on December 21 with Mysuru MP Pratap Simha requesting Gadkari to name the expressway as Cauvery Express on the lines of Ganga Expressway, Yamuna Expressway of Uttar Pradesh, and Narmada Expressway of Madhya Pradesh. However, now another section of leaders, including former CM SM Krishna, Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh, higher education minister C N Ashwathnarayan, MLCs Madhu G Madegowda, Dinesh Guligowda, and others have urged the centre and the state governments to name the expressway after Mysuru maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the architect of modern Karnataka.
Historian P V Nanjaraj Urs hit out at Simha alleging that he is misusing the Cauvery River name to woo voters from Kodagu. He has no vision of development or foresight. Simha has no knowledge of history. “Nalwadi was a revolutionary king who shaped the modern state. He is a visionary leader. The central government must name the expressway after the maharaja,” he said.
Ursu Chintakara Chavadi president Kemparaje Urs said the maharaja’s name to the expressway will be a tribute to the legendary king. From education to development, industries, infrastructure, irrigation, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar contribution to the state is invaluable. The king implemented the developmental works, focused on general education to medical education, built hostels, hospitals etc after understanding the needs of the people by thinking from their perspective, he said.
“The maharaja was a statesman. He brought real change in our lives through his foresight, thinking and able administration,” Chavadi said.
However, C Narayana Gowda, president of Hotel Owners’ Association said he prefers the river Cauvery name for the new expressway. Mysuru airport will be named after the maharaja, he said. A train has now been renamed as Wadiyar express. As Cauvery is the lifeline of Karnataka, I suggest Cauvery Expressway, he said.
Meanwhile, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, scion of the Mysuru royal family, said he will welcome the decision of the state government. “Both the maharaja’s name and Cauvery are good. The government must take a decision at the earliest. Naming the road is the authority of the government,” he told reporters.