Development of BDA layout hinges on BMIC

Banashankari sixth stage development caught in a time warp
Development of BDA layout hinges on BMIC
Deccan Herald

Even as the BMIC clover leaf interchange at Somapura Junction – in Block VII of BSK VI Stage – is tipped to change the face of the layout, development within is caught in a time warp.


An extremely critical aspect that decides on what the future holds for Bangalore Development Authority’s layout in Banashankari VI Stage, ironically, is a project out of the BDA’s purview: the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC). Even as the BMIC clover leaf interchange at Somapura Junction — in Block VII of BSK VI Stage — is tipped to change the face of the layout, development within is caught in a time warp.

Villagers have built a couple of houses near the fourth block, but full-fledged construction of houses still looks a distant possibility. True to the Bangalore realty trend, those who have bought the sites are waiting for the BMIC connection to surface, and quote rates accordingly. Those who plan to buy the sites, are waiting too. BDA, meanwhile, has kicked off the metalling work on a couple of roads in the layout.

‘Facilities ready’

“We have provided electricity for BSK 6th Stage Layout. Water supply and Under Ground Drainage lines have been laid. With regard to the roads in the layout, metalling is at present being done on the 100-feet, 80-feet and 60-feet roads,” said a BDA official.

The potential buyers of sites in the layout, while keeping a close watch on the progress of amenities in the layout, are also following up on developments outside.

“Investors generally believe that the purchase is fool-proof since the sites belong to BDA. They are more concerned about aspects like the layout’s connectivity with other parts of the City,” says Deviprasad, a real estate broker dealing in purchases in the area.

Apart from the Block VII BMIC interchange, the proposed BDA shopping complex in Block III is a point around which the price patterns in the layout could change. At present, rates of Block III and VII sites are running as high as at Rs 1750. Proximity to key roads, elevation and nature of terrain are also being factored in, before the prices are quoted.

Delayed development

Connectivity to and from the layout will get a definitive thrust with the BMIC interchange, but the largely underdeveloped layout doesn’t carry the BDA promise of time-bound development. There are many pockets in the layout where vegetation has outgrown site markings and even, BDA signboards.

A full-fledged township — as planned in the blueprint — is very much on paper. The pace at which it takes shape, however, depends on external factors. For the moment, apart from the bustle of road-metalling in Blocks I and III, what obstructs activity in the layout are the hordes of cattle.

HIGHLIGHTS

* 1532 acres, 17 guntas of land acquired by BDA during 2001

* During October 2001, 10,000 sites allotted

* During April 2002, 5000 sites allotted

* In BSK 6th Stage Extension, 5800 sites allotted

* Sites are at present fetching rates between Rs 1250 and Rs 1700.