CM sets deadlines for BMP

CM sets deadlines for BMP
‘Finalise Tender Procedures By March-End, Road Works By July-End’
The Times of India

Bangalore: Deadlines come and go: From January-end to March. And now, the latest deadline to spruce up the city roads is July-end. The Public Works Department will join hands with the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike to re-grade four highway roads that crisscross Bangalore.

Chief minister N Dharam Singh who took the BMP officials to task on Tuesday for the appaling state of roads in the city, directed that all tender procedures be finalised by March-end. “I don’t know how you do it, everything should be finalised by March-end and work should start by then,’’ he told the officials at the review meeting.

Singh told reporters that he was aware of the problems that BMP was facing with the contractors. “I have assured the commissioner that the government will intervene if contractors boycott the tender,’’ the CM said adding that the progress of the works will be reviewed once a month.

Asked about the proposed reintroduction of octroi compensation to BCC and merger of the seven CMCs with the Palike, Singh said it is a policy matter which is before the government.

Dwelling on the road works, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike commissioner K Jothiramalingam said tenders were invited to lay 1,000 km of roads at a cost of Rs 173 crore but the contractors had boycotted the tender.

Subsequently, the BMP relaxed a few conditions and went in for short-term tenders which will be opened in February first week. In case, the boycott continues, the government will take a stand on exempting the work from the Transparency Act. Jothiramalingam added that the entire road works will be completed by July-end.

This apart, the BMP has issued work order for upgrading 350 km of roads and the work will be completed by April-end. According to BDA commissioner M N Vidyashankar, the institution is investing Rs 2,500 crore for the city’s development including peripheral ring road, hitech city and more flyovers. He added that the upgradation of Bowring Hospital and work on Ananda Rao circle flyover have been completed.

IN THE WINGS
Upgradation of 40 roads under the Karnataka Municipal Reforms Scheme at a cost of Rs 148 crore - tender awaiting approval of works standing committee. 11 roads under the IT-BT corridor - under progress. Remodelling of storm water drains - Chellaghatta valley is in progress.

BDA
Airport road flyover - completion August. Jayadeva underpass - June 2006. Magadi road - Mysore road ORR - work in progress. Works in HSR layout - drain work worth Rs 35.94 crore will begin shortly, completion by May.

BWSSB
Greater Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage scheme - completion by October. Cauvery water supply scheme, IV stage, II phase - completion by 2011.