IT’s happening: 9 km flyover to E-City

IT’s happening: 9 km flyover to E-City
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The Union government on Monday announced a dedicated and tolled nine km flyover along the Hosur road leading to the IT hub — Electronic City.

Union Minister for Surface Transport and Shipping T R Baalu, who held a review meeting to discuss various road projects in the State, said a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be floated for this purpose.

The decision to construct a tolled flyover comes a day after a meet held with representatives of the Electronic City Industries Association (ECIA) and a few weeks after IT companies raised a hue and cry over traffic snarls in the area.

The SPV comprising ECIA, Centre and the State government would share the project cost. While ECIA will hold 33.3 per cent stake in the Rs. 400 crore project, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the State government will share the rest 66.6 per cent .

The four-lane flyover will be a dedicated route to the Electronic City sans deviations — once a vehicle hits the flyover on Hosur Road, it can only reach the Electronic City. The minister said a detailed project report would be ready at by March next year and the foundation will be laid in the second week of April 2005. The project is likely to be completed in about 30 months from the day of start.

Chief Minister N Dharam Singh said the existing four-lane Hosur Road will be upgraded into six lane at a cost of Rs. 65 crore. Commuters need not pay any toll for using this road.

Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Water Resources Minister Mallikharjun Kharge and Union Minister of State for National Highways K.H. Muniyappa were present at the review meet.