Vested interests in BMP blocking road works: CM

Vested interests in BMP blocking road works: CM
Builders Too Blame Corporators
The Times of India

Bangalore: That Bangalore’s roads are in a pathetic state everyone knows. And no less than CM Dharam Singh himself admitted so on Saturday. But his admission that some vested interests in the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike were the stumbling blocks is more revealing.

“These vested interests are coming in the way of calling for tenders,’’ Singh told reporters here on Saturday. “I am aware that repair works on several roads have not started, as a result public opinion is going against us,’’ he rued.


The nexus between the BMP and contractors can perhaps be seen in the experience of property developers. Some developers say they have been keen on building certain major roads leading up to their properties, but the BMP has been sitting on these proposals, “maybe because they want to give the project to the contractors they are close to”.

“We gave a proposal several years ago to do up a road entirely at our cost. We pursued that proposal. But to date, we haven’t got the permission, and the road remains in terrible shape,” said one builder.

The CM said he would convene a meeting of urban department officials on Tuesday and put things in order. This apart, the Centre is likely to release Rs 1,000 crore this year to improve Bangalore’s infrastructure. The CM was, however, upbeat that work on the proposed international airport was in full swing despite BIAL having no chairman. On the Metro Rail, he said the project has taken off with the government issuing orders to acquire 27 acres of private land.

Asked with political uncertainty around, whether the promises will be delivered, Singh said: “There is no threat to this government from any quarters. Of course, in a coalition set-up there will be small hiccups, but they will be sorted out. We will address all problems step by step. In the coming weeks the MoU with regard to ONGC project will also be signed.’’

On JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda setting Feb. 8 as deadline to decide on whether to continue with Congress or not, Singh’s reply was: “February 8 is a long time. By then, the differences will be sorted out.’’ I will talk to Infosys: CM Bangalore: Chief minister D h a r a m Singh’s statement on infrastructure comes three days after Infosys complained that B a n g a l o re had no space for it to expand. “I will talk to them. I will discuss with Infosys CEO Nandan Nilekani and Wipro chairman Azim Premji,’’ Singh said.

However, he did not commit on the measures he would be taking to address the IT/ BPOs’ problems. “They only want good roads. We will show our plan of action and explain to them the issues involved. We are working methodically on infrastructure development,’’ he added.