Bangalore gets a raw deal once again in state budget

Bangalore gets a passing mention
The Times of India

BANGALORE: Last year, the Bangalorean wondered as Siddaramaiah read out his budget speech; he had entirely ignored their revenue-spinning metropolis. This time, the FM has done a tad better by mentioning Bangalore, but in a fashion so customary that citizens still aren’t happy.

The Devanahalli airport and the Metro Rail projects have received huge chunks of the budget pie: Rs 95 crore and Rs 109 crore respectively. But these are only reiterations of allocations already made for Bangalore’s languishing road and traffic situation.

Siddaramaiah underlined the plan to create a proper road network around the periphery of Bangalore, as also the Rs 40-crore allocation to improve roads with private partnership.

From traffic fines collected in Bangalore, 50% is to be 'ploughed' back into traffic management. The money collected will become part of the Traffic Management Fund. Siddaramaiah set apart Rs 6.5 crore for the creation of a Biotech Park at Electronic City.

Among the 11 new Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Parks proposed to be set up, one will come up in Bangalore Rural district.

He has earmarked Rs 2 crore for the National Youth Games scheduled to be held in Bangalore next year.

Also for Bangalore are: a new casualty department at the Victoria Hospital; a hostel for students from weaker sections studying in professional colleges in the city; and a Bhavan in memory of former chief minister Devaraj Urs.

Guzzlers among Bangaloreans can say cheers to this: on visits to other cities, they don't have to drink strange brews that pass off as draught beer. Siddaramaiah has allowed export of draught beer from the city, making it possible to drink Bangalore's best brew even on jaunts.