HDK promises BATF-like body

HDK promises BATF-like body
The Times of India

Bangalore: Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy has agreed to float a special purpose vehicle (SPV), similar to the erstwhile Bangalore Agenda Task Force, and give a boost to public-private partnership (PPP). In an hourlong meeting with Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and member of the empowered committee on infrastructure R K Misra, the chief minister said the SPV will focus exclusively on developing infrastructure.

The duo suggested that the Airport Road flyover be completed in three months, and work on link roads from Hosur Road be through in six months. Marathahalli and Whitefield roads too should be addressed, they suggested. Receiving a two-page memorandum, the CM promised action.

On Shaw’s recommendation that Madiwala vegetable market be relocated, the CM agreed that alternative locations could be considered. Shaw pitched for visible progress, and Kumaraswamy assured her he meant business.
The duo also suggested that the government collect development charges from big builders and use it to maintain pavements.

Shaw told The Times of India the CM sounded positive. “He told us the CMCs faced a fund crunch, but that he was trying to make the best of the situation. All we want is a CM who can deliver,” she said.

According to R K Misra, the new SPV will function as a development committee. “It should be proactive, and think on the lines of comprehensive development. The model chosen has to be PPP, with experts from various fields. A separate committee could be formed for finance and borrowing,” he said.

Some suggestions

l Relocate Madiwala vegetable market as it is a traffic hazard. (Time frame — 1 month)
l Decongest Hosur Road (6 months).
l Repair Attibele-Sarjapur-Varthur bypass road (33 km) (Last week of April)
l Develop Airport-ITPL Corridor (3 months)
l Complete Airport Road flyover (3 months).
l Complete East-West Corridor (Old Madras Road - K.R.Puram - Jayamahal Road - Mehkri Circle) — (3 months).
l Undertake repairs on Outer Ring Road at K R Puram bridge, service roads between Silk Board junction and Hebbal Flyover.
l Undertake asphalting on Silk Board-JP Nagar-Banashankari-Mysore Road.