Centre urged to speed up infra development

B'lore to get intermediate ring road.

The Karnataka government on Tuesday decided to pave the way for a 250-km Rs 3,000 crore intermediate ring road around Greater Bangalore, and also create additional facilities on the Devanahalli Airport road, which links the upcoming Bangalore International airport.

The state authorities met Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T R Baalu and sought approval for the commencement of projects like upgrading of state highways and an increase in the annual grant for National Highways from Rs 116 crore to Rs 225 crore.

The state government has been given the nod to acquire land worth Rs 2,500-3,000 crore for the 250-km intermediate ring road which will help decongest traffic in Greater Bangalore. Baalu said that the NHAI would start preparing the feasibilty study for the road. The study is likely to be completed by 2008 following which it will be sent to the Cabinet for approval. The ring road will be made on a build-operate-transfer basis.

The Devanahalli Airport road will get seven overpasses, service roads and two underpasses to cater to the traffic this road will witness once the international airport is functional.

Meanwhile, the Centre has rejected the IT industry's demand to create some structural changes in the upcoming Hosur Road flyover. The industry, in a meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday requested the government to create a loop from the flyover to the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Ring Road. Kumaraswamy, however, said that the central body had turned down the request as it was not feasible. This elevated highway is on schedule and is expected to be ready by July 2008.

The state government also admitted that the Mangalore port connectivity project would be delayed. Baalu said that the NHAI would also start preparing feasibility reports for a 194-km four-lane road on NH-13 connecting Bijapur and Hospet, and another 102-km four-lane road connecting Kundapur to Goa.

Baalu, however, said that developing roads was not the only answer to Bangalore infrastructure problems. "Developing roads alone cannot save the city. We must look at other steps like developing the metro," he said.

In its memorandum to the Union minister, the state also asked the Centre to develop the Karwar Port (second stage) under the National Maritime Development Programme and the development of the Malpe Port.