Metro: confusion on track

Metro: confusion on track
Deccan Herald

Even as new Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy is yet to make up his mind on which of the two — Metro Rail or Monorail — would be the “best solution” for the traffic woes of the state capital, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) Managing Director K N Srivastava announced on Wednesday that the bhoomi puja for the project will be performed in March.

It has been exactly 11 months since the state government gave its formal approval to the Bangalore Metro Rail project. However, the project implementation is still hanging fire, with the chief minister himself contributing to the controversy in no small measure.

Even on Wednesday, he reiterated that “the government will take a final decision in a few days and start the work immediately”.

Addressing mediapersons after his return from New Delhi, he said: “We will take into account all views and the recommendations of the committee set up by the Centre. Our objective is to ensure that Bangaloreans benefit from a good transport system.”

He, however, did not give any indication as to which way he will tilt — towards the Metro Rail or the Monorail.

Centre nod

Meanwhile, Mr Srivastava, at a presentation at National College here, said, “The government has already given permission. The project is ready to take off. We are expecting to get the Union Cabinet nod by March.”

He added that he was expecting a positive response from the group of ministers, led by Mr Sharad Pawar, which will meet on February 21 in New Delhi to discuss gauge and legislation issues.

Incidentally, the groundwork for the Metro project is already in progress, with the BMRC acquiring 58 acres of government land, 26 acres of Nuclear Power Corporation land and 102 acres of defence land. The KIADB, on behalf of the BMRC, began the land acquisition procedure for 27 acres of private land last month.

Roads in 15 months

Meanwhile, assuring comprehensive development of Bangalore, Mr Kumaraswamy directed officials to ensure completion of road development works in BMP limits at a cost of Rs 500 crore within the stipulated deadline of 15 months. Taking the officials to task at a review meeting of the Urban Development department, which was attended by heads of BMP and BDA, Mr Kumaraswamy said though the road development works were scheduled for completion in 15 months, he has issued directions to complete the works ahead of the deadline.

“Give me three-four months’ time. I will take steps to ensure smooth flow of traffic and upgrade Bangalore roads,” Mr Kumaraswamy told reporters after the review meeting.

‘Nighthawk’ CM

He said he would conduct a surprise inspection in March first week to review the progress of road development works. “I don’t want to inconvenience people. I will conduct inspection during night,” he said.

Monthly inspections will be conducted from April onwards, he said.

On the recent flooding of houses in the City, Mr Kumaraswamy said that he has been briefed about the reasons for flooding. “Apartment complexes have been constructed flouting laws. It’s a big issue. I will discuss about it later,” he said.

BMP Commissioner Jothiramalingam too asserted that within the next 15 months, all roads in the City will be spruced up.

He said in the first phase, asphalting works have been taken up on 1,000 kms of roads. Work on arterial and sub-arterial roads (225 kms) will be entrusted to the contractors by March end.

CM gets down to business

* Complete Rs 500 crore road development works in BMP limits ahead of schedule

* I will conduct monthly review of works beginning March

*Give me 3 months to improve infrastructure