Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru City Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday opened the second loop of the Hebbal flyover. This new section aims to ease heavy traffic for travelers from Kempegowda International Airport and northern Bengaluru. "We found a solution quickly and have relieved traffic congestion by opening the second loop; the move would ensure smoother traffic flow," said Shivakumar. Residents had complained about severe jams near Hebbal junction. Shivakumar also said all local body elections, including those for the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), will happen this year. Bengaluru has not had an elected council for over five years. On other projects, Shivakumar noted that the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), celebrating 50 years, is working on many initiatives. Land is being acquired from farmers for the 120-km Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC). Farmers will get 35% of developed commercial land as compensation, along with money and help to build small townships. He added a short tunnel road will soon be built, and a flyover near Mehkri Circle will be constructed in three phases. Plans for an elevated corridor connecting Tumakuru Road to K.R. Puram, creating a new Outer Ring Road, are also underway. In his 35 years in politics, Shivakumar said he has never seen such large projects for the city. He mentioned that even the Prime Minister praised Bengaluru during a recent visit. Despite no financial support from the Centre, the State government is pushing ahead to modernize the city.