Kheny opens road to talks

Kheny opens road to talks
Vijay Times

The first-ever major highway project under the private sector being executed by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), was partially (9.2 km) inaugurated on Friday amidst controversy, with the consortium blaming the government for creating hurdles for the project and the latter boycotting it.

Addressing reporters after throwing open the first phase of the BMIC project at Hemmigepura near here on Friday, NICE managing director Ashok Kheny said it was the government which was creating obstacles to the project. We do not have problems. Our project is clear, he said. However, we are ready to talk to the Chief Minister. Kumaraswamy, however, refused to comment on the developments.

The government and NICE are locked in a bitter battle with the JDSled government proposing to take over the project and the consortium, with the help of the Supreme Court order, resisting such moves. The BJP, a constituent of the coalition, however, is not in favour of a complete takeover.

As a face saver, and to buy some time, the government had on Thursday said it would give all the land required for the project and had expressed willingness to talk to NICE. Categorically rejecting the claim of the government that excess land had been acquired, Kheny said the government as per the agreement had to release 10,193 acres of land for the project. In fact, the Supreme Court had also considered this point before giving its judgment. “Where is the question of excess land, he asked.

In the meantime, Law and Parliamentary affairs Minister Basavaraj Horatti told VViijjaay y T Tiimmees sthat there was no bill before his department on the proposed takeover of BMIC (Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor) project to be discussed in the legislature session starting on June 19. Sources said the government is contemplating to move SC.