Arkavathy land now for expressway

Arkavathy land now for expressway
The Times of India

Bangalore: While the dust is yet to settle on Arkavathy Layout land litigation, here is one more acquisition within the layout. The access-controlled expressway connecting National Highway 7 to the Devanahalli International Airport, which will cut through Outer Ring Road, will also be along the Arkavathy Layout.
Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has cleared the land in block number 19 of Challakere village of Arkavathy Layout, where sites have already been formed and allotted, for BMRDA to make way for expressway.
As many as 518 residential sites with dimensions of 30 ft by 40 ft and 20 ft by 30 ft spread across 37,368 sq mts will be handed over to BMRDA. This, apart from hundreds of corner plots covering 3,834 sq mts, according to the copy of the plan obtained by The Times of India.
This access-controlled expressway — the 60-metre wide road from Hennur ring road to international airport — will handle the traffic moving to airport from the city. It is estimated that once the airport is commissioned, the traffic volume would be 11.5 million per year. Since NH-7 will not be able to handle such huge volumes, this expressway starts at a point on outer ring road and goes onto Challakere via Bagalur and hits international airport.
The 25-km expressway, modelled on the lines of Delhi-Gurgaon Road, is a toll road and has been estimated to cost Rs 5 crore per km, which would take the project cost to Rs 125 crore. Work on this project is yet to begin and will be completed around the same time the airport work ends.
According to officials, the BDA will compensate owners of sites in Challakere village, with alternative sites in the same layout.
Initially, the BDA had announced distribution of 20,000 sites in Arkavathy Layout. However, with the land acquisition being embroiled in litigation, the BDA is yet to get possession of 748 acres. This has resulted in reduction in the number of sites. So far, 9,000 sites have been allotted and under the present circumstances, maximum number of sites that BDA can form is 15,000.
GROUND REALITY
Sites in the following survey numbers in Challakere village, 19th block, have been handed over to BMRDA: 13, 19, 20, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 36, 38
Number of residential sites: 518
Residential sital area 37,368 sq mts; corner plots’ area 3,834 sq mts

Bruhat B’lore zones formed

Bruhat B’lore zones formed
Deccan HErald

At the administrative level, the committee looking into the organisational structure of Greater Bangalore - headed by BMP Commissioner K Jairaj has reportedly finalised issues relating to the formation of five different zones out of the incoming bodies, staff pattern etc. The committee is understood to have also decided to set up separate cells on Finance, Planning and Enforcement for Greater Bangalore.

The main office of these cells will be located in the head office.

Metro: Shifting of utility lines on, sans trouble

Metro: Shifting of utility lines on, sans trouble
Deccan Herald

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation on Wednesday began shifting of utility lines at Indiranagar for the metro rail project under police protection.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation on Wednesday began shifting of utility lines at Indiranagar for the metro rail project under police protection.

Low-tension power lines at Indiranagar 100-Feet Road-Old Madras Road junction were shifted by BMRCL officials in co-operation with Bangalore Electricity Supply Company. Interestingly, there was no resistance from shop owners on CMH Road, who do not want the metro rail to pass through the road. “We had no problem carrying out the work. Police protection was sought as a precautionary measure. Work on shifting utility lines on CMH will also be taken up shortly,” BMRCL Superintending Engineer (Electrical) Yeshwanth Chavan told Deccan Herald.

The shop owners want a change in the rail alignment on CMH, as they fear their shops will be acquired. But BMRCL has claimed that only 21 shops on the road will be acquired.


By taking up the work on CMH Road, BMTCL is preparing ground for launching the actual work on ‘Reach 1’ of the project. ‘Reach 1’ is a 7-km line between B R V Parade Grounds and Byappanahalli. It is an elevated track and there will be seven stations. BMRCL has already taken up Geophysical Survey here to gauge the depth at which the piers have to be laid.

State-of-the-art cancer centre in City soon

State-of-the-art cancer centre in City soon
Deccan Herald

Narayana Health City on Hosur Road will house a cancer research centre and general hospital in nine months. Dr Devi Shetty, promoter of the Health City, has taken up the project as a joint venture with Ms Kiran Mazumdar...

Narayana Health City on Hosur Road will house a cancer research centre and general hospital in nine months. Dr Devi Shetty, promoter of the Health City, has taken up the project as a joint venture with Ms Kiran Mazumdar, the chief of Biocon.

The civil work on the research centre and hospital has begun. The 500-bed hospital will require an investment of Rs 300 crore, according to Dr Devi Shetty. He said, “In the proposed cancer centre, the research and treatment for the patients will get equal priority. We would like to work on newer models of treatment for cancer. Biocon is already into developing drugs for cancer. Ms Mazumdar is investing in the cancer research centre in her personal capacity”.

Dr Shetty pointed out that the cost of heart treatment has come down in India over the years as medical care was easily available to patients. “Such a development has to take place in cancer treatment too. If medical facility is available to all the patients, the cost will reduce.”


He also said that Narayana Hrudayalaya on an average conducts 30 heart surgeries a day, the highest number in any hospital, in the world.

Babus get grip on Greater Bangalore

Babus get grip on Greater Bangalore
The Times of India

Bangalore: Wi-Fi hotspots in obscure outskirts, enforcement teams to nip encroachments, clear basements across five zones and recruitment overhaul. These are some plans for Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (Greater Bangalore).
One of the priorities is identifying Wi-Fi hotspots. For this, the IT sector and the IT department are being roped in. Says BMP commissioner K Jairaj: “There are beefing-up plans, involving finance, IT and enforcement teams. In the new areas, we’ve to start from scratch, so we’ve adopted the draft report on the administrative framework of Greater Bangalore.’’
To start with, each of the five zones will have about 130 sq km. One of the recommendations is to have a police officer in charge of addressing the menace of encroachments. This officer will have a team whose domain includes clearing basements, protecting BMP properties and taking action on encroachments.
The initial estimate of 1,000 employees for Greater Bangalore has escalated to 4,000. The core staff will comprise staff from the engineering department, seven health officers, a supervisor and a DC. Survey of properties: A team will undertake physical evaluation of properties in the CMCs, TMC and village panchayats that will be part of Greater Bangalore; Rs 3,000 crore is required to cover the infrastructure deficit between BMP and the new areas. Says Jairaj: “We are roping in CRISIL and another civil engineering organisation to help with finances and infrastructure deficits.’’ Citizens form pressure group
Bangalore: Even before Greater Bangalore comes into existence, citizens and associations have come together to form an association — Citizens Action Forum for Greater Bengalooru.
Some 120 resident welfare associations across the city have come together to form this group. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, members of the Forum said they were placing a demand with the government to extend the last day for submitting suggestions and notifications. “The last date now is December 4 but we want it extended. Nobody has consulted citizens and associations in the formation of Greater Bangalore,” said the forum’s chief coordinator N S Mukund.

Precious time lost in commuting hampers efficiency

Precious time lost in commuting hampers efficiency
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Once upon a time, not too long ago, a person could traverse the length of the city in less than an hour. It is just another privilege that has been lost to the terrible traffic on the city roads. It is a daily woe of the commuters, a 5-km ride stretching to an hour’s arduous journey.

The result is that an individual’s day is half over, even before it actually begins.

The time taken to commute from home to place of work, with the hurdles of road rage, traffic jams and pollution in between, has begun to drastically reduce efficiency levels across all sectors. Creativity is affected and so is the productivity on an average work day.

Human Resource Development Managers unanimously say that the commuting time is the number one killer of productivity and efficiency in employees. ‘‘By the time, the employee comes to office, he or she would have put in more than an hour on the road. The noise and dust just aggravates the already stressed person,’’ says the HR head of a prominent IT company.

Shalini, a working professional in the city, echoes these views. ‘‘I travel for over an hour from my house to my office. Often, I end up being on the roads for 3-4 hours every day. It is extremely frustrating, ’’ she says.

The solution is in key infrastructure issues that have been highlighted by corporate icons and the commoner alike. DCP East (Traffic) M A Saleem says that transport systems like the metro rail system will de-congest the roads, which are bearing traffic over their capacity. ‘‘We have introduced one-ways and safe routes to schools. Car-pooling concept is tough to enforce, however, introducing toll booths could popularise the concept,’’ he said.

The traffic police is also considering allowing entry of only public transport in some areas to de-congest traffic.

Unless major infrastructure changes are in place, stress will continue to be a by-product of the hectic pace of the metropolis growth.

Greater B’lore: More time sought for public reply

Greater B’lore: More time sought for public reply
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Citizen’s Action Forum for Greater Bangalore has urged the Government to grant more time to seek public opinion on ‘Greater Bangalore’.

Addressing a press conference, V K Somashekar of the Forum said that Government has given time till December 2, in this regard.

‘‘We will write to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary to extend time to get opinions of more people,’’ he said.

He said the forum had approached 120 resident welfare associations in this regard, besides several NGOs.

The forum condemned the decision of the Government to collect opinion of various agencies like Bangalore Development Authority, BMRDA, BMP, and Revenue Department and said that this move had created confusion among the people over the project. It urged the Government to set up a single agency to gather the opinions.

Somashekar urged the Government to explain clearly the purpose of Greater Bangalore.‘‘If this is made clear, there would be better feed-back from the public,’’ he added.

The public can send its opinion on Greater Bangalore to citizenactionforum@gmail and citizebactionforum@googlegroups.com. Public can also post its opinions to cas-bb.blogspot.com. ‘‘The e-petitions will be sent to Chief Minister and Chief Secretary,’’ he said.

Buses adorned with ads featuring women distract motorists

Buses adorned with ads featuring women distract motorists
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) may be earning some revenue by displaying various advertisements on its buses, but they are proving to be a major distraction for motorists on busy city roads.

Traffic Engineering and Safety Trust (TEST) Chairman, M N Sreehari says that since these buses are in constant motion, they are a major source of distraction. The percentage of display should be fixed and complete paint on them should be banned. The drivers should be able to see the roads clearly.

Riders opine that the advertisements displayed on the buses are a major source of distraction. On the other hand, transport and police officials say that neon signs can also be a distraction. But these must be seen as sources of income.

Managing Director of BMTC, Upendra Tripathy told this website’s newspaper that there are no rules stating that the buses should not have ads displayed on them. They are an additional source of revenue to the department and BMTC buses are getting noticed this way at least.’ Norms are present, regarding visibility from inside but not necessarily for the size of the ad.

The department is keen on displaying ads, which have social messages. These prove to be the most powerful source of communication on Wednesday because of their mobility,’’ he added.

Transport Commissioner M C Narayan Gowda added that they are not as distracting as hoarding and neon signs. ‘‘But BMTC is violating norms by painting the entire bus with ads. They cannot violate the laws as per their whims and fancies. There should be some set standards and aesthetics sense must be adhered to.’’

Police officials on the other hand opine that ads displayed on the buses are not as distracting as are the women and the neon signs.

‘‘According to a study in the the Western countries, the ads on buses are not distractive.’’

Another Crossword launched

Another Crossword launched
New Indian Express

Crossword, a leading book store in India, recently launched its third store in Indiranagar. It was their 39th store in India. Authors Sudha Murthy and Shashi Deshpande and Jeff Mc Anally, chief-specialty, Shoppers’ Stop, inaugurated the store. ‘‘We are very excited with the response we got from our customers in the city. It was their enthusiasm that led to opening a store in Indiranagar,’’ said Jeff.

‘‘A bookstore so close by to one’s house is a good opportunity for everyone. I do hope Crossword opens one store in every area,’’ said Shashi Deshpande. ‘‘When you go out and buy a book, you should never judge it based on what people say or write. Do read all the books and be your own judge, and make use of stores like this which allow you to explore and browse through the books before buying it,’’ added Deshpande.

Sudha Murthy too agreed with her. ‘‘Beauty and wealth is never judged by the clothes that you wear or the house that you stay in or even the assets that you possess. But it is judged by the amount of knowledge and books that you posses,’’ said Sudha Murthy.

Other than possessing a variety of lifestyle books and novels, the store also allows people to organise community events. In order to promote reading habits at an early age, the store is also organising regular story telling sessions for children.

The new crossword store is located in Icon mall, Indiranagar.

Greater Bangalore civic body work likely to be outsourced

Greater Bangalore civic body work likely to be outsourced

The Hindu

High-powered committee to submit its report tomorrow

# The new civic body will have 5,328 employees
# Core group to monitor the outsourced work

BANGALORE: The State Government is likely to outsource administration, planning, finance, audit and legal work of the proposed Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to private firms.

According to high-powered committee, which has made this recommendation, the intention behind the move is to facilitate better governance and easy administration. That apart, the new civic body will have 5,328 more government officials on regular rolls to run the BBMP. These officials can either be recruited or deputed from the other government departments.

The committee, set up by the Government to look into issues of organisational structure and staffing pattern for the proposed BBMP, which met here on Wednesday, has unanimously decided to outsource a major chunk of work. It has finalised on the number of officials required for BBMP. This committee headed by BMP Commissioner K. Jairaj, which has a November 30 deadline, is likely to submit its report to the Government on Friday.

The report comprises details on the creation of five zones and their staffing pattern, setting up of finance, enforcement and planning wings in the head office and zonal offices. According to the report, while 1,030 officials are required to be deployed at the BBMP head office to manage all the departments, 4,298 officials are required in the five zonal offices to be set up at Byatarayanapura, Mahadevapura, Bommanahalli, Rajajarajeshwarinagar and Dasrahalli.

Mr. Jairaj told The Hindu on Wednesday that the plan was to ensure an efficient administration that was responsive to the people's demands. "We are working out modalities to see whether we can create a different kind of set up that will be more receptive to people. There is a lot of talent available in Bangalore and we want to utilise it to the fullest. We are planning to outsource work relating to planning, accounting, finance, audit, information technology and maintenance of IT systems and legal matters to private firms," he said.

"This is aimed at putting an end to the hierarchy system that exists in the present set up. Internal core groups of two or three officials will be formed to monitor the outsourced work," Mr. Jairaj said. Pointing out that the recommendations would be discussed by representatives from the Departments of Finance, Personnel and Administrative Reforms and Urban Development, Mr Jairaj said the report would be submitted to the Government on Friday. Recently, the Government had entrusted work on reorganisation of wards and the delimitation process to a private firm.

‘My first love: conservation of ecology’

‘My first love: conservation of ecology’
From banker to marketing professional, an actor to a filmmaker and finally an environmentalist, Suresh Heblikar has donned several roles. He speaks to G S Kumar about his experiences
The Times of India

I was born in Dharwad: My father Balakrishna, a landlord, was a voracious reader who had a good collection of English novels. He was also highly emotional and a chain smoker. He had a misplaced streak of generosity and gave land and money to many friends. He was called Bapu Saheb. But I lost him when I was just 15. My mother Rukmini Bai was a housewife and highly traditional. I was the youngest of four brothers and three sisters and was pampered a lot. We got the name Heblikar as we lived in a place called Hebballi.
I always quarrelled with my elder brother: He was very short-tempered. As youngsters, we used to make a lot of noise at home. Once I whipped him when everyone had gone out. My mother took me to task but there was no end to our quarrel even after that.
We celebrated Deepavali and Ganesha festival grandly: My father used to get us new clothes and we children decorated the house with lamps. We’d burst crackers for one week with relatives, who also prepared delicious sweets. I can never forget how we’d to get the Ganesha idol from a teacher called Badiger Master who made very good idols.
I loved solitude: I began my education in the Presentation Convent School in Dharwad and later joined Basel Mission High School. I completed my degree from Karnatak College and post-graduation from Karnatak University. I was an average student and poor in mathematics. When I was seven, I’d bunk classes and wander around in a field. There was a big tree near our house. Sometimes, I would lie under it and watch the sky wondering what was there beyond it. I loved solitude. I can never forget the way I learnt swimming in Kelgeri tank with my friends and teachers. The water was so clean that I used to go deep into the lake to see the bottom. A nun at school loved me very much and would kiss me affectionately. I was very moved by her gesture.
Five of us formed a group: One of them was Vinayaka Bendre, the nephew of the poet Da Ra Bendre. He’d take us out for snacks and coffee and spend a lot of money. I wondered how he got the money. Then I came to know that Bendre, before leaving home, would pray and keep some change in front of the deity. Vinayaka stole it and treated us. We were very mischievous in class and were always punished. We were either made to stand on a bench or sent out of class. We were also beaten often by the teachers.
I was good at studies in college: I joined Karnatak College and studied Anthropology, Political Science and Economics. I was very serious about studies. I loved literature and read works of great writers like Russell. When I was 14, my father presented me Maxim Gorky’s novel Mother. I could not understand many words so I referred to a dictionary but managed to read it in six months. I still remember how my father would read novels at night and tell my mother and me stories in the morning.
I chose Economics for my Masters: I had the fortune of being taught by D M Nanjundappa. My life opened up to different worlds like theatre, films and other cultural activities on campus. Prof K G Mahale, a French teacher, changed my life. I took part in debates and acted in plays. Mahale found that I was a good actor and encouraged me to take interest in films. As a student, I watched a lot of English movies in theatres and also at festivals organised on campus. I was very much impressed by a French movie The Wages of Fear and that changed my life.
I became a theatreperson: After completing my Masters, I joined a bank in Bangalore and worked there for a year. I started a magazine called Bhu Vikasa and the writer Niranjana helped me write articles. After a year, I quit the job and went to Mumbai and did a Diploma in Marketing & Advertising. I worked in marketing for six years but I was not happy with the job. I realised I wasn’t cut out for this, quit the job and came back to Bangalore. I got in touch with B V Karanth, C R Simha, Make-up Nani, Ashok Mandanna and took interest in staging and acting in plays. I joined Bangalore Little Theatre (BLT) to get more exposure. We used to paste posters the previous night, arrange the stage just before the play and get ready to act immediately. That was our level of enthusiasm.
I always had the urge to make films: I started by making short films with a few friends. We’d go to Brigade Road and shoot silent films. My friends would always ask me to speak to pretty girls on the road for a shot. I wrote stories for films, directed and acted in them. I made five short films. In 1980, my friend M B S Prasad who was directing the Kannada film Kankana cast me as a playboy. It was my big break. This was followed by Vaathsalya Patha, Aparichitha, Rushya Shrunga, Alemane and Amara Madhura Prema. I’ve acted in 30 Kannada movies. In 1983, I plunged into directing movies with Antharala, followed by Agunthaka, Kaadina Benki, Aaghatha, Chamathkara and Prathama Usha Kirana. While Kaadina Benki won the National Award, Prathama Usha Kirana won the Filmfare Award.
I always loved Nature: Though I directed films, my first love was conservation of ecology. I took an active part in the anti-Kaiga agitation and read about the Chernobyl incident at the same time. In 1998, I started Eco-watch to promote eco-awareness among the people. I also made short films — Great Indian Bustard, Tribals of B R Hills and Shepherds on the Move, which won a UN award. I am planning to set up an environment institute and a museum to promote ecology.
My wife Malathi was my first critic and guide: We were married in 1973. She always said I was good in films and that I should continue in that profession and she was right. She died in 1999. Our son Akshay is taking a keen interest in ecology and environment.

Get ready for summer shock

Get ready for summer shock
Deccan Herald

If power consumers are shocked over the unscheduled loadshedding this winter in several areas, the worse is in store for the summer months...

If power consumers are shocked over the unscheduled loadshedding this winter in several areas, the worse is in store for the summer months.

According to a projection by KPTCL, the daily power consumption for the summer months is expected to touch an all-time high of about 140 million units – an increase of nearly 15 MUs over the previous summer’s consumption.

This figure is likely to be reached in February-March, which marks the peak of summer in terms of power supply.


This has caused concern among power officials as the previous summer’s peak consumption was only about 126 MUs.

Pointing out that the average daily consumption in the State was around 90-95 MUs, sources noted that it would be difficult to manage even a small increase in power supply during summer months. Already, it has become difficult for the State to get additional power as the demand for power has shot up in all the southern states.

KPTCL feels heat

KPTCL felt the heat recently when it had called for tenders seeking supply of power for a short duration. All the bidders had quoted a high price of about Rs 6 per unit against the State’s average power purchase price of Rs 2.65 per unit, sources said.

Given this scenario, the summer months are expected to witness a tough time including loadshedding. As it is, unscheduled loadshedding has been enforced in most of the areas of the State, barring Bangalore, as the demand for power has exceeded 120 million units.

The main reason for the present increase as well as the projected increase is said to be the prolonged dry spell in various parts of the State. This has resulted in excessive use of irrigation pumpsets to draw groundwater for protecting standing crops. The State has about 15 lakh IP sets and their consumption accounts for 26-30 per cent of the consumption.

Meanwhile, the KPTCL has instructed its staff to take precautionary measures in Bangalore to prevent the breakdown of the overloaded transmission network. Bangalore city, which was known for the quality power supply, is now witnessing frequent interruptions in power supply as the power network is overloaded.

The increasing number of houses and commercial establishments and the failure in the earlier years to upgrade the system in accordance with projected growth of the city are said to be the reasons for overloading. Though system upgrading works have been taken up, they are not likely to be completed before three months.

Grim scenario

* 140 MUs projected summer consumption

* 15 MUs more than last summer’s peak consumption

* Bangalore hit by overload

* Reason for increasing consumption: Excessive use by farmers to draw water for irrigation

Why switching off engine at traffic signals makes sense

Why switching off engine at traffic signals makes sense

The Hindu

# Idling vehicle engine emits more pollutants than a running one
# Fuel efficiency can be increased by 8 to 11 per cent if engine is switched off


Bangalore: An idling vehicle engine can emit more pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into the air than a running engine.

And, switching off the engine while waiting at a traffic signal may improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency by a significant 8 to 11 per cent depending on the vehicle type.

These were among the facts revealed by experts at a recent interaction organised by the Indian Institute of Science and Regional Transport Office, Bangalore North.

Scientists and officials answered a number of questions from citizens and listened to their suggestions.

Potential carcinogens

It makes sense to switch off engine if the wait is going to be close to one minute, say experts.

This is because automobile emissions contain about 300 chemicals, close to a 100 being potential carcinogens. Savings on fuel is a bonus.

With over 24 lakh registered vehicles and five to 600 additional ones registered every week, preventing air pollution requires intervention at all levels, according to Transport Department officials. Besides punitive action against owners of vehicles with more than the permissible level of emissions, driving licence seekers should be educated on the merits of controlling vehicle emissions. A regularly overhauled engine and periodical lubricant changes also add to mileage and vehicle longevity.

According to some citizens, including retired transport officials, poor engine design, adulterated fuel and lubricants and lack of regular vehicle servicing, could be the cause for high air pollution in Bangalore. Another factor is its geographical location with no sea breeze to clear the air and dilute the emissions.

Officials spoke on certain shortcomings in the laws related to vehicle emissions such as different checking norms for cars and two-wheelers and the inability to frequently check all vehicles and pull up offenders.

Suggestions from citizens to arrest pollution included use of alternative fuels such as CNG, more facilities for cyclists and walkers and phasing out of older vehicles.

Work on Malleswaram grade separator from Monday

Work on Malleswaram grade separator from Monday
The Hindu

Minor changes incorporated in the design to address objections of residents

# Work on the project, which began on July 30, has been indefinitely put off
# The road from Malleswaram 5th cross till the right turn at Link Road will be widened



DESIGN MODIFIED: Work on the Malleswaram grade separator has been stopped following protests from residents.

Bangalore: A redesigned grade separator will be built at Malleswaram and work on it is likely to begin from December 4, sources in the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike said on Tuesday.

After residents of Malleswaram raised a hue and cry about the project and were supported by politicians, work on the grade separator, which began on July 30, had been indefinitely put off.

Sources said that minor changes had been incorporated in the design to address the objections raised by residents. The grade separator will now have a 20 second signal at Temple Road (near the Geethanjali Cinema). The Link Road, which leads towards Seshadripuram, would be widened to accommodate the traffic.

Sources said that the bus stop at Malleswaram Circle would be removed. Buses proceeding towards Navarang from Margosa Road will have to take a right turn at Malleswaram Club. Buses proceeding towards Majestic will have to enter the underpass directly and they will stop at a specified place on Margosa Road. Bus stops would be provided all along Margosa Road and buses coming from Navarang will stop at Mohammedan Road, instead of the present bus stop on Malleswaram Circle, sources said.

The ramp on the left side would begin from Hoysala Hotel, instead of the earlier plan to start it at the turning of Malleswaram 5th cross. The entire stretch of road, from Malleswaram 5th cross till the right turn at Link Road, will be widened and 63 trees will be felled in the process.

It may be recalled that the technical committee of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), called the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee, recently approved the Malleswaram grade separator. About Rs. 16.5 crore has been sanctioned for the project, of which the Centre will provide Rs. 5.78 crore and the State Government Rs. 2.47 crore. The BMP will have to raise the remaining amount of Rs. 8.25 crore for the project.

Sources said that consultations were on with the residents to convince them of the feasibility of the project. However, president of Malleswaram Swabhimana Initiative Sumathi Rao said that they had not been contacted. "We would like to be part of the planning process though," she said.

BMP’s cleanliness drive proceeding at snail’s pace

BMP’s cleanliness drive proceeding at snail’s pace
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s (BMP) drive to keep the vacant residential sites clean, is moving at snail’s pace. But officials claim that the work is in progress and there has been some amount of development.

BMP issued a notification in October asking site owners to clean their sites within a week. It also warned the site owners of action if they failed to do so.

However, in many areas like Banaswadi, HRBR Layout, Koramangala, JC Nagar, RT Nagar and Vasanth Nagar, the BMP is yet to begin any such drive. ‘‘The officials do not inspect the areas regularly.

They are unaware of the situation. The growth of parthenium (plant which causes severe respiratory problems) along with mounting garbage, is a nuisance,’’ said Reena G K, a resident of HRBR Layout.

Sunitha P, a resident of Koramangala, said that the areas were not maintained properly. ‘‘The vacant sites are converted into dumping yards by the people residing in the vicinity. This should be strictly forbidden. The BMP should undertake a strict drive to clean up the areas and fence them,’’ he said.

Sunitha Reddy, a resident of Vasanth Nagar, said that mere cleanliness of the sites was not sufficient. People should be educated and hefty fines should be imposed to curb such practices.

Bangalore gets a slice of New York

Bangalore gets a slice of New York
CNN IBN

Bangalore: Private developers are all set to bring in a slice of New York into the garden city of Bangalore. A whole league of sky scrappers and multi-towered complexes are being built by private developers and corporates giants in Bangalore—something that will perhaps define its future look.

Multi tower complex UB Towers, Vijay Mallya's pet project is being built on the lines of New York’s empire state building in the heart of Bangalore. The sky scrapper looks down on almost half the city.

"The skyline or the elevation of this project is modelled much like the empire state building of New York. The height of UB Tower is 126 metres which would make it the tallest building in the city," said CEO, UB Global V Shashikanth.

The fast paced development coupled with skyrocketing real estate prices make Bangalore a dream destination for corporate developers. But it wasn’t so long ago when just 100 metres tall Public Utility building used to be the only sky scrapper in the city.

Besides UB Towers there is another multi-storied complex, constructed on the lines of Dubai's Al Burj hotel and Lakeside Habitat, the city's tallest residential building of 25 floors built by the Bearys Group that will be ready for occupation in next three-months.

"We are projecting Lakeside habitat as a welcome arch to the new Bangalore," Managing Director, Bearys Group Syed Beary said.

In Pix: D(h)onning a new role

So do we expect Bangalore to become India’s New York? Given that the builders are upbeat about recreating a Petronas towers or perhaps Dubai’s Al Burj hotel in the city.

"People do compare our upcoming buildings with Petronas Twin Towers. But we don't want to compare them with any world-class building. We are going in for a 45-storey building, an IT park and a corporate tower next," Syed Beary said.

Bangalore's former chief minister S M Krishna had once said he wanted Bangalore to be like Singapore in terms of infrastructure and amenities. Today with sky scrappers kissing its skies, the city is on its way to realizing that dream.Bangalore gets a slice of New York
By IBNlive.com | Tuesday, 28 November , 2006, 10:35

Bangalore: Private developers are all set to bring in a slice of New York into the garden city of Bangalore. A whole league of sky scrappers and multi-towered complexes are being built by private developers and corporates giants in Bangalore—something that will perhaps define its future look.

Multi tower complex UB Towers, Vijay Mallya's pet project is being built on the lines of New York’s empire state building in the heart of Bangalore. The sky scrapper looks down on almost half the city.

"The skyline or the elevation of this project is modelled much like the empire state building of New York. The height of UB Tower is 126 metres which would make it the tallest building in the city," said CEO, UB Global V Shashikanth.

The fast paced development coupled with skyrocketing real estate prices make Bangalore a dream destination for corporate developers. But it wasn’t so long ago when just 100 metres tall Public Utility building used to be the only sky scrapper in the city.

Besides UB Towers there is another multi-storied complex, constructed on the lines of Dubai's Al Burj hotel and Lakeside Habitat, the city's tallest residential building of 25 floors built by the Bearys Group that will be ready for occupation in next three-months.

"We are projecting Lakeside habitat as a welcome arch to the new Bangalore," Managing Director, Bearys Group Syed Beary said.

In Pix: D(h)onning a new role

So do we expect Bangalore to become India’s New York? Given that the builders are upbeat about recreating a Petronas towers or perhaps Dubai’s Al Burj hotel in the city.

"People do compare our upcoming buildings with Petronas Twin Towers. But we don't want to compare them with any world-class building. We are going in for a 45-storey building, an IT park and a corporate tower next," Syed Beary said.

Bangalore's former chief minister S M Krishna had once said he wanted Bangalore to be like Singapore in terms of infrastructure and amenities. Today with sky scrappers kissing its skies, the city is on its way to realizing that dream.

Bangalore gets a slice of New York

Bangalore gets a slice of New York
CNN IBN

Bangalore: Private developers are all set to bring in a slice of New York into the garden city of Bangalore. A whole league of sky scrappers and multi-towered complexes are being built by private developers and corporates giants in Bangalore—something that will perhaps define its future look.

Multi tower complex UB Towers, Vijay Mallya's pet project is being built on the lines of New York’s empire state building in the heart of Bangalore. The sky scrapper looks down on almost half the city.

"The skyline or the elevation of this project is modelled much like the empire state building of New York. The height of UB Tower is 126 metres which would make it the tallest building in the city," said CEO, UB Global V Shashikanth.

The fast paced development coupled with skyrocketing real estate prices make Bangalore a dream destination for corporate developers. But it wasn’t so long ago when just 100 metres tall Public Utility building used to be the only sky scrapper in the city.

Besides UB Towers there is another multi-storied complex, constructed on the lines of Dubai's Al Burj hotel and Lakeside Habitat, the city's tallest residential building of 25 floors built by the Bearys Group that will be ready for occupation in next three-months.

"We are projecting Lakeside habitat as a welcome arch to the new Bangalore," Managing Director, Bearys Group Syed Beary said.

In Pix: D(h)onning a new role

So do we expect Bangalore to become India’s New York? Given that the builders are upbeat about recreating a Petronas towers or perhaps Dubai’s Al Burj hotel in the city.

"People do compare our upcoming buildings with Petronas Twin Towers. But we don't want to compare them with any world-class building. We are going in for a 45-storey building, an IT park and a corporate tower next," Syed Beary said.

Bangalore's former chief minister S M Krishna had once said he wanted Bangalore to be like Singapore in terms of infrastructure and amenities. Today with sky scrappers kissing its skies, the city is on its way to realizing that dream.Bangalore gets a slice of New York
By IBNlive.com | Tuesday, 28 November , 2006, 10:35

Bangalore: Private developers are all set to bring in a slice of New York into the garden city of Bangalore. A whole league of sky scrappers and multi-towered complexes are being built by private developers and corporates giants in Bangalore—something that will perhaps define its future look.

Multi tower complex UB Towers, Vijay Mallya's pet project is being built on the lines of New York’s empire state building in the heart of Bangalore. The sky scrapper looks down on almost half the city.

"The skyline or the elevation of this project is modelled much like the empire state building of New York. The height of UB Tower is 126 metres which would make it the tallest building in the city," said CEO, UB Global V Shashikanth.

The fast paced development coupled with skyrocketing real estate prices make Bangalore a dream destination for corporate developers. But it wasn’t so long ago when just 100 metres tall Public Utility building used to be the only sky scrapper in the city.

Besides UB Towers there is another multi-storied complex, constructed on the lines of Dubai's Al Burj hotel and Lakeside Habitat, the city's tallest residential building of 25 floors built by the Bearys Group that will be ready for occupation in next three-months.

"We are projecting Lakeside habitat as a welcome arch to the new Bangalore," Managing Director, Bearys Group Syed Beary said.

In Pix: D(h)onning a new role

So do we expect Bangalore to become India’s New York? Given that the builders are upbeat about recreating a Petronas towers or perhaps Dubai’s Al Burj hotel in the city.

"People do compare our upcoming buildings with Petronas Twin Towers. But we don't want to compare them with any world-class building. We are going in for a 45-storey building, an IT park and a corporate tower next," Syed Beary said.

Bangalore's former chief minister S M Krishna had once said he wanted Bangalore to be like Singapore in terms of infrastructure and amenities. Today with sky scrappers kissing its skies, the city is on its way to realizing that dream.

Now, just SMS to get a railway platform ticket

Now, just SMS to get a railway platform ticket
The Times of India

Bangalore: Pltfrm tkt — 2. The next time you have to see someone off at the City railway station, all you have to do is send an SMS to 3939 and receive a code on your mobile phone. Type that into the vending machine at the station and the amount of Rs 4 for a ticket will be billed to your phone account.
This will be the new techsavvy method to procure the humble platform ticket from next month, Mahesh Mangal, divisional railway manager, South Western Railway, Bangalore, said on Monday. He inaugurated two advanced electronic ticket-vending machines at the City railway station.
“In another three months, ticket counters in the station will be shifted outside the building to increase the waiting area for passengers,” he outlined.
Shelters will be provided for ticket counters and congestion in the existing waiting area will ease.
The two new vending machines are situated outside the main entrance building. Procured at a cost of about Rs 2 lakh, these are technologically more advanced than the existing vending machines.
Visitors to the station can drop in coins of the following denominations — 50 paise, Re 1, Rs 2 and Rs 5. But if you drop in extra coins, the machine is not geared at returning any change. And you cannot get more than three tickets at one go.
The data of how many tickets and what time the vending machines issued these will be transmitted to a centralised system, which will provide monthly records. Four more machines will be put up at other entrances of the station in the coming months, Mangal said.
Railway officials are also working towards a smart card system, wherein the visitor does not have to buy tickets repeatedly and can visit the station as many times until the value expires.
New parking facility
From December 20, car parking will undergo a sea-change at the City railway station. Four new machines will be installed in the parking area, wherein the visitor can enter his car number and estimated duration of his visit. Based on that, he can drop coins at the machine and pick up not just his parking slip, but his platform ticket as well. “The dual purpose machine will save time for visitors,” Mangal said. The new parking area will have a capacity of over 200 cars.

Year-end deadline for road works

Year-end deadline for road works
The Times of India

Bangalore: The year-end is slated to see better roads, as the BMP has set a deadline of December 31 for all road works.
An official release said BMP commissioner K Jairaj has reviewed and monitored the asphalting works. The schedule drawn up — 88.57 km to be completed in east zone, 89 km in west zone and 128 km in south zone. From November 28, senior officers at the zones would be undertaking inspections in the morning with a checklist: maintaining road surface, checking potholes, kerbs, streetlights, road-cutting among others. Jairaj has also told officials to put up the details of all works on the BMP website.
Short-stay homes
Responding to a query put forth by senior citizens on having short-stay homes, at a meeting, Jairaj has asked zonal deputy commissioners to chalk out a plan to facilitate short-stay homes. Zonal officers have been asked to have more public meetings with citizens on specific civic issues.

Watch out for these 35 killer spots

Watch out for these 35 killer spots
The Times of India

Bangalore: Jalahalli Cross in Yeshwantpur traffic police limits handles 15,000 PCUs per hour, one of the junctions in the city handling highest volume of traffic. Also, a killer junction which has recorded 12 fatalities in one year.
Similarly, a sharp-blind curve at the Kengeri bus stand is an eyesore as buses take a turn without any indication. Here, eight fatal accidents have been reported over an year.
Killer spots — the dark spots on the road prone to fatal accidents — in the 20 city traffic police station limits add up to 35. The fallout of an exercise carried out for six months, these killer spots have been identified by traffic engineer Shankar Nadiger of Traffic Engineers and Safety Trust (TEST) and traffic police.
According to traffic expert and chairman of TEST M N Sreehari, the list of killer spots will be submitted to the police department with solutions. Widening of roads, dedicating the extreme left lane for buses, proper road planning and rectification of grey areas, making helmets mandatory are some of the solutions that can reduce accidents, Sreehari told reporters on Monday.
“The government, under any pressure, should not buckle and withdraw the helmet rule. Further, helmets with ISI marks should be used as they have the impact strength of 55 kg/cm sq vis-a-vis 15 kg/cm sq of the ordinary helmets available on pavements. Reasons such as deafness while riding, hair fall or dandruff should not be taken seriously and people’s opinion should not be considered,’’ he said. ACCIDENT FIGURES
On an average, nearly 10,000 accidents occur in Bangalore, of which 900 are fatal
7,000 to 8,000 people suffer injuries in accident-related cases; 40 to 45% of those killed are pedestrians; 40% of accidents occur at junctions, 60% at straight and link roads
Day accidents are 72%, whereas night accidents are 28%; signalised junctions - 12% There are 38,280 junctions in Bangalore, of which 3,000 to 5,000 are problematic and need immediate attention
For such a large number of junctions, traffic signals are just 300
Rs 1,500 crore to Rs 4,500 crore is spent on accident-related cases — be it insurance, treatment, etc
BLACKLISTED
Command Hospital, Mutthu Mariyamma Temple, Love Ri School, Ulsoor bus stand, Suranjan Das Road, Benaganahalli, Nagawara, Anepalya, Kudlu Gate, East End circle, Jala Bhavan, Kalyananagar, Kuvempu Circle, Gangamma Circle, Goraguntepalya, Jalahalli Cross, 8th Mile in Peenya, Raheja Apartments (Vijayanagar), Magadi-Chord Road, Kengunte Cross, Kengeri bus stand, Arvind Mills, Jnanabharathi, Sumanahalli, Lumbini Gardens, Kodigehalli Cross, Amruthalli, Hosakerehalli, Pallavi Dhaba in BSK, Gubbalala Gate, Fun World, Amar Hotel underpass Upparpet, Khoday’s Circle, Binny Mills Circle, City Market.

Helmet critics don’t have a case: Expert

Helmet critics don’t have a case: Expert
Deccan Herald

Implementation of the helmet rule may continue to stir up extreme reactions in cities but according to traffic expert Prof M N Sreehari, the critics don’t have a case. “Helmets are a definite must. Records show that close to 60 per cent of accident-related head injuries could be prevented with the use of helmets,” he said on Monday while interacting with reporters on a study done on traffic-related issues plaguing Bangalore.

Prof Sreehari, who is advisor to the Karnataka Government on Traffic pointed at statistics pertaining to Delhi, where helmets had proved instrumental in reducing the fatality/injury rates. He also urged the government to ensure that only ISI-marked helmets were sold in the market and called upon the government to distribute free helmets.

More signals needed


Pointing out that the City had only 265 to 300 traffic signals while the total number of junctions was in the excess of 38,000, Prof Sreehari said more signals were imperative in reducing the accident rates. As damage control measures, he also suggested widened roads, dedicated bus lanes, stringent measures against drunken driving, better medians and lights, pruning of branches of trees on the roads and better traffic signage.

Prof Sreehari also suggested extension of traffic signals in core City areas like M G Road and Commercial Street beyond midnight.

KILLER SPOTS

A study conducted by Traffic Engineers and Safety Trust (TEST), along with the Bangalore City Traffic Police, identified the following 35 junctions in the Bangalore East Traffic Police Division as most prone to accidents involving instantaneous deaths.

Command Hospital (*Airport), Muthu Mariyamma Temple (K R Puram), Love RI School (K R Puram), Ulsoor Bus Stand (Ulsoor), Suranjan Das Road (Indiranagar), Beneganahalli (Indiranagar), Nagawara (Banaswadi), Anepalya (Ashok Nagar), Kudlu Gate (Madiwala), East End Circle (Madiwala), Jala Bhavan (Madiwala), Kalyana Nagar (Frazer Town), Kuvempu Circle (Yeshwanthpur), Gangamma Circle (Yeshwanthpur), Goragunte Palya (Yeshwanthpur), Jalahalli Cross (Yeshwanthpur), 8th Mile (Peenya), Raheja Apartments (Vijayanagar), Magadi Chord Road (Vijayanagar), Kengunte Cross (Byatarayanapura), Kengeri Bus Stand (Byatarayanapura), Arvind Mills (Byatarayanapura), Jnana Bharathi (Byatarayanapura), Sumanahalli (Kamakshi Palya), Lumbini Gardens (Hebbal), Kodigehalli Cross (Hebbal), Amruthhalli (Yelahanka), Hosakerehalli (Banashankari), Pallavi Dhaba (Banashankari), Gubbalala Gate (Banashankari), Fun World (RT Nagar), Amar Hotel Underpass (Upparpet), Khodays Circle (Chickpet), Binny Mills Circle (Chickpet) and City Market (K R Market).

* Traffic Police Station limit

Ticket counters to be shifted outside City railway station

Ticket counters to be shifted outside City railway station

THe Hindu

It will provide more waiting space for passengers

# Advanced electronic ticket vending machines installed
# Platform tickets to be available through SMS soon

Bangalore: The ticket counters in the City railway station will be shifted to outside the station building in three months to provide more waiting space for passengers, Mahesh Mangal, Divisional Railway Manager, Bangalore Division of South Western Railway, said here on Monday.

Inaugurating two advanced electronic ticket vending machines at the station, Mr. Mangal said that shelters would be provided for the ticket counters and congestion in the existing waiting area would be reduced with this move.

Mr. Mangal said that platform tickets would be available through SMS in the next one month. "People can send a message to the number 3939. They will get a code that they can come here to the station and type in the vending machine to get a ticket. Four rupees will be charged to the person's phone account," he said.

The two new platform ticket vending machines are situated outside the main entrance of the building. Procured at a cost of about Rs. 2 lakh, they are an improvement over the existing platform ticket vending machines. People can drop coins of 25 paise, 50 paise, Re. 1, Rs. 2 and Rs. 5 denominations for a ticket. The catch, however, is that the machine is not geared at returning any change if you have put in extra money.

Four more machines would be put up at other entrances of the station, he said. The facility would be introduced at other stations in the city later, he said.

No stoppage

"We cannot stop trains at Bangalore East. It will delay trains by at least 7 to 8 minutes," said Mr. Mangal. A few weeks ago, residents staged a protest demanding that Brindavan and Lalbagh Express trains stop at Bangalore East.

Functions render residents powerless

Functions render residents powerless
Deccan Herald

Residents of Lingarajpuram (Kariyanapalya and areas next to new flyover) were left in pitch darkness on Monday night, thanks to two public functions near Kammanahalli and Hennur Main Road...

Residents of Lingarajpuram (Kariyanapalya and areas next to new flyover) were left in pitch darkness on Monday night, thanks to two public functions near Kammanahalli and Hennur Main Road. Extra lines were drawn for the events and as a result, the surrounding areas went powerless for nearly three hours.

Many readers called up Deccan Herald office after they failed to get through to the BESCOM area office.

The residents, including many students, had to be content with candles and many were forced to stay outdoors. Either the line was busy or the receiver was off the hook, said Cinthia Stephen, a resident of Kariyanapalya. “My daughter has to appear for Kannada exams tomorrow. She is upset that there is no power supply,” she said. Sources said there was a technical problem due to overload and switch gear replacement work was later undertaken near Pottery Road power station. The power supply was restored around 9.55 pm.

Regulation of pedestrian movement improves traffic at K.R. Market

Regulation of pedestrian movement improves traffic at K.R. Market

The Hindu

The market receives the highest number of floating population in Bangalore


BANGALORE: On a visit to Krishnarajendra Market (K.R. Market) these days, you probably wondered whether the market had been shifted, going by the smooth movement of vehicles.

One of the reasons could be the absence of ever bursting and moving crowd between Apsara Theatre and Avenue Road under the flyover.

The market receives the highest number of floating population in Bangalore. The area also houses prominent hospitals — Victoria, Vani Vilas, Minto Eye and Government Dental College.

As many as 10 roads either join or start from this junction. They are Victoria Hospital Road, Kalasipalya Main Road, Silver Jubilee Park Road, Avenue Road, Narasimharaja Road, one road each leading to and alighting from the flyover, one each to and from Mysore side (beneath the flyover) and one towards the City Market Police Station.

Uncontrolled movement of the crowd, especially between Apsara Theatre and Avenue Road was the reason for frequent traffic jams under the flyover. People used to board and alight from buses at this junction adding to the chaos. Apart from picking of pockets, bag snatching and chain snatching, lifting of valuables from cars stranded in traffic jams were on the rise.

It was at this juncture that the city police realised the need for regulating crowd movement at the junction. Though traffic management was the job of the traffic police, the law and order wing of the police proposed the initiative.

K.R. Market area boasts of having one of the oldest sub-ways in Bangalore beneath Victoria Hospital Road connecting Apsara Theatre and the pavement adjacent to the Fort. The subway remained underutilised and had been harbouring anti-social elements.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-West) Ramasubba told The Hindu that people were being compelled to use the subway. People will be allowed to cross the road at the zebra crossing between Apsara Theatre and Avenue Road till the completion of the subway from Apsara Theatre towards Chandra Bhavan and market complex.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chikpet Sub Division, H.K. Venkataswamy said the number of offences such as picking of pockets, snatching bags, chain snatching and lifting valuables from cars had come down.

According to City Market Police Inspector Babu Naronha, increased presence of police has prevented petty quarrels and skirmishes being reported from the locality. Vehicles, which used to wait for a long time, are moving fast now. The action plan was chalked out by Mr. Naronha and Kalasipalya Police Inspector S.K. Umesh and was put in place by the higher-ups from November 9. Both the inspectors and the City Market Traffic Inspector K.N. Rangaswamy visit the junction in the evening to control the crowd. The police said the drive would continue, as otherwise people would resort to old habits.

Name game begins for new international airport

Name game begins for new international airport
New Idnian Express

BANGALORE: Even with 17 months to spare for the inauguration of Greenfield international airport, coming-up on the outskirts of Bangalore, the name game has already begun with more than half-a-dozen historical figures being contenders for the new airport.

While City founder Kempe Gowda looks like a forerunner for the international Airport name, Kannada Thespian late Dr Rajkumar and visionary statesman Sir M Visvesvaraya too, do not lag behind.

Adding to that Tippu Sulthan who was born in Devanahalli and had a special attachment with the place is another name which cropped-up in the list of probablaties, along with Mallabhairagowda, who built Devanahalli in 1551.

Among the names, Tippu Sultan's name is appears more relevant as this warrior was born in Devanahalli in mid 17th century.

Several speculations have been made on the exact year of his birth, with history books terming it as November 20, 1750 AD. But, some historians say he was born in 1953.

Hyder Ali's second wife Fakhrunnisa (Fathima) was on her way to Devanahalli fort for her first delivery.

Before she could reach the fort, she gave birth to her first son Tippu.

Young Tippu spend his childhood of 15 years in Devanahalli fort, where most of his education and artillery training took place.

Even during his last years he often visited this place. According to Research Head of Discover Bangaluru Arun Prasad, Tippu developed the Devanahalli fort after he took over from his father Hyder Ali.

“He installed the famous Gun Powder Factory at Devanahalli, which supplied ammunition for the rocket manufacturing unit at Taramandalpet near City Market area,” he said.

When asked about Kempegowda, he said, though Kempe Gowda who does not directly belong to Devanahalli, his ancestors belonged to Devanahalli.

Arun Prasad asserted that the fort renovated by Tippu still exists in Devanahalli, and with the international airport coming-up, the area can be developed as a heritage spot.

However, CEO of Bangalore International Airport Albert Bruner is not keen in the name game right now.

“Our prime focus is to get the airport ready before the deadline. Let's get the airport ready first. It will be the collective board's decision which will decide about naming the airport,” he said.

Slums dwellers to get basic facilities by ’07

Slums dwellers to get basic facilities by ’07
Deccan Herald

Concrete roads, assured water supply and electricity by April 2007, in at least one slum in each of the existing wards under Bangalore Mahanagara Palike.

Concrete roads, assured water supply and electricity by April 2007, in at least one slum in each of the existing wards under Bangalore Mahanagara Palike. Sounds good? Well, that is what the BMP administration, which has just come under the administrator rule has on mind.

By the way BMP’s comprehensive plan on improvement of slums includes aspects like housing, hospitals and schools too. Private participation is likely to be the buzz word in ensuring the success of the plan.

The efforts are thanks to the submission on Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) as envisaged under the centre’s Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JN-NURM). Of the total Rs 8,000 crore worth projects and works which the BMP plans to take up under JN-Nurm (over the next seven years), Rs 2,000 crore has been slotted for works related to BSUP.


According to BMP Commissioner K Jairaj the BSUP projects in particular will not be much of a burden to the local body, as a large part of it will come as grants from the Centre (50 per cent) and the State (15 per cent). The BMP will have to raise only 35 per cent of the cost of the BSUP projects. Note that under JN-NURM’s other submission - Urban Infrastructure and Governance, the BMP is expected to raise 50 per cent of the cost of each project. A debt analysis or an analysis of the BMP’s capacity to borrow (read - raise funds) for the envisaged projects is also underway, SBI Capital Markets Ltd has been roped in for the exercise.

Housing

On the housing for the poor aspect, the Commissioner said that about 5,000 houses are being looked at in the first phase. About Rs 2 lakh may be spent on each house - inclusive of water supply and electricity connections, he said.

According to one list available with the BMP, there are 167 undeclared slums across the 15 Assembly constituencies in Bangalore; the number of declared slums is 213.

The BMP had in mid-July initiated a survey of the population and basic facilities in its slum pockets. The number of declared and undeclared slums, the availability of water supply and electricity connections, the state of roads were among the details that were sought to be being taken stock of.

The Detailed Project Reports on various projects related to Basic Services to the Urban Poor, are reportedly under preparation.

To Tumkur in half the time

To Tumkur in half the time
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Thanks to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Bangaloreans could zoom to Tumkur at half the time they take now.

NHAI would soon convert 20 km stretch of NH4 from ring road till Jass toll road into a six-lane highway with 4.5 km elevated segment.

The elevated expressway would be second of the kind in Bangalore. The other one being on Hosur Road.

What is more, the entire stretch would be free of any road junctions. But the motorists would have to wait for another two years.

Further the entire 20-km stretch would be a toll road. NHAI project director Manoj Kumar told this paper that the tender process was already on and the technical bids were evaluated.

NHAI New Delhi office would evaluate the financial bids for Rs 445 crore in another month before awarding the contracts, he said.

Six-laning of this segment was mooted along with widening of Hosur Road a few years ago and Karnataka government too had been demanding decongestion of the busy road.

The Yeshwantpur - Jass Toll road segment witnesses huge congestion now with a traffic density of 15,000 passenger car units (PCU) per hour.

The scope of work would include providing service roads on either side of the highway.

The project would also include about seven grade separators so that the road junctions would not halt the traffic flow.

The grade separators would be near Jindal, TCI junction, Nelamangala bypass, Dasanapura, Magadi road junction and Mangalore road junction.

Chance to make a difference

Chance to make a difference
The Times of India


A turbulent five-year term of the 11th council of representatives of the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike has come to an end. During the period, the BMP received a lot of flak from the people for insensitivity towards their problems, inadequate civic amenities, poor maintenance of roads and footpaths, lack of space for parking of vehicles, choked and overflowing drains, inundation of low-lying areas when it rains, tardy garbage clearance, slow progress of infrastructure projects, corruption at all levels and an unholy nexus between corporators, officials and contractors. And when cornered by the public over shoddy work, both elected representatives and officials passed the buck without batting an eyelid.
There is breathing space between now and the formation of the next council, about six to seven months. It’s a good opportunity to crack the whip and put all projects on the fast track. Bangalore must get back onto the rails. Widen roads that are chocka-block with traffic 24 hours a day. Build more flyovers, roads on stilts, underpasses, subways and skywalks. Speed up work on approach roads to the upcoming international airport. Put the Metro Rail work on the fast track.
Greater Bangalore must become a reality. Seven CMCs and one TMC, often referred to as ‘poor cousins’ on the periphery of Bangalore, are crying for attention. Civic amenities are pathetic, roads are not motorable, government land has been encroached upon and illegal buildings have sprouted. With top companies located in and around these areas, the demand for good infrastructure and connectivity has increased.
An administrator is in place. He and the commissioner must put their heads together, take quick decisions, select a team of efficient, upright and go-getting officials, put them in key areas, shunt out corrupt and lethargic staff to places that do not entail dealing with the public, encourage private-public participation, involve resident welfare associations in decision making and impose strict deadlines on all works.
The general impression among the people as well as bureaucrats is that corporators act as impediments. Now that they aren’t around, the administrator-commissioner duo must get things moving. And they should keep in constant touch with residents’ associations to dispel the feeling that bureaucrats, unlike elected representatives, are not responsive to people’s problems. The government, on its part, must give them a free hand and adequate powers, protect them from political interference and give them adequate funds. Providing civic amenities to CMCs on par with the existing city areas is a herculean task. Merely bringing them under BMP will serve no purpose.
This comment is doing the rounds — ‘When the BMP’s record is already bad, how can one expect it to do justice to an enlarged Bangalore?’. The onus of dispelling this cynicism lies with the government. A fast-growing and revenue-generating metro like Bangalore must imbibe corporate culture. The administrator and commissioner must act like CEOs. Prepare time-bound projects. Reward the efficient and show the door to the inefficient. Now is the time to restore the past glory of Bangalore — the glory that put the Garden City on the global map a decade ago.

Pre-paid counter at Opera junction

Pre-paid counter at Opera junction
The Times of India

Bangalore: Traffic police opened a pre-paid auto counter at the intersection of Brigade Road and Residency Road near Opera junction on Saturday. The counter will operate between 10 am and 9 pm every day. It will cater to the needs of those visiting Mayo Hall, Residency Road, Brigade Road and surrounding areas which have many business establishments.

Commuters irked over ‘service’ charge for pre-paid autos

Commuters irked over ‘service’ charge for pre-paid autos
The Times of India

Bangalore: Those who avail the services of a pre-paid auto from Forum Mall on Hosur Road are irked over the collection of an extra one rupee as ‘service’ charge by the people at the counter.
They voiced out their protest to the traffic police over the ‘service’ charge being collected from the commuters since Friday.
Two pre-paid auto counters were opened near both entrances of Forum Mall on Hosur Road and Dairy Circle Road a year ago.
These counters are being run by the Forum Mall authorities with assistance from traffic police.
“When they did not collect any service charge for the last one year, why are they collecting it now?” commuters asked police.
When contacted, DCP traffic (East) M A Saleem said, “The Forum Mall authorities are not supposed to collect any service charge from people using the prepaid counters. If they are doing it, it is illegal and we will advice them.’’
These counters have been set up to help those who visit the malls and service charge should not be charged from them, he added.
There are 12 pre-paid auto counters in the city, including the one near airport. The pre-paid counter at airport is run with the help of traffic police. No service charge is being collected from commuters here, Saleem explained.
The pre-paid counters located near the railway station and KSRTC bus stand are being run by the autorickshaw drivers’ unions, only they are authorised to collect service charge, Saleem said.

St Andrew’s restored to its former glory

St Andrew’s restored to its former glory
The Times of India

Bangalore: The St Andrew’s heritage church that stands tall for its architectural marvel has been restored after years of wear and tear. The unprecedented rain last year damaged the bell tower and the portico.
The foundation of the bell tower had sunk causing a gentle incline of the building and cracking the surface of the front of the church.
IISc professors, in coordination with Padmashree Dorairaj of Chennai, have carried out renovation work and restored the church to its original glory. The church will be celebrating its 142nd anniversary on Sunday as St Andrew’s Day coinciding with rededicating the church.
“The church Pastorate Committee is grateful to the authorities of the Diocese, the benevolence and guidance of our beloved Bishop with his technical team, the advice of the professors from the IISc, who gave us the right direction to proceed with the restoration work,’’ says Rev M B Kotian, Presbyter-in-charge of the church.
St Andrew’s Church, a Presbyterian church on Cubbon Road, is an orthodoxical Presbyterian Scottish architecture with a tall belfry and chiming clock at the apex of its tower, bearing its name after the patron saint of Scotland, St Andrew.
The foundation stone was laid in 1864 by Lady Grant, wife of Lieutenant-General, Sir Hope Grant, the then Quartermaster-General of Her Majesty’s Forces. The building was completed and opened for worship in 1866 within a period of two years and at an overall cost of Rs 45,000 including the cost of land.
The dedication sermon was given by Reverend Stewart Wright, one of the then chaplains of the Church of Scotland in the Madras Presidency, and pastor-in-charge of the newly-formed congregation.
The church building is purely Gothic, measuring 105 feet in length by 57 feet in breadth standing 43 feet high. The height of the tower is exactly 90 feet. The interior of the building is extremely beautiful.
The windows, including a very large gabled one, are filled with stained glass. The pulpit is made of teak wood richly carved and in keeping with the style of the building. The pulpit, velvet cushion and hangings along with a very fine harmonium were the gifts of the ladies of the congregation to their pastor.
When St Mark’s Cathedral was engulfed and damaged in a fire accident in 1923, it was this heritage building which provided accommodation for the congregation to worship until St Mark’s was rebuilt in 1927.
A magnificent pipe organ installed in the year 1881 adds grandeur to the sacred music in every worship service.
The church was then known as ‘St Andrew’s Kirk’, a westernised church with Scottish customs, classical Scottish square dancing, western music, celebrating St Andrew’s Day, Burns’ Night and so on.
“The total restoration work of the church has been completed in record time and the church building has been brought back to its original glory and splendour. It is the congregation which is responsible for this stupendous achievement,’’ says Stanley R Chellappa, secretary of the church.

Govt outsources delimitation process

Govt outsources delimitation process
The Times of India

Bangalore: What does the government do to avoid bureaucratic delay of its project. Outsource it!
For the first time, a vital process of delimiting the city under the Greater Bangalore has been outsourced to a private company.
The company — N Soft India Private Limited — has been asked to consider infrastructure network features like roads, pipelines, power lines, storm water drains, parks as the boundaries of wards so that they are easily identified on the ground.
Greater Bangalore, also called as Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, will consist of 150 wards in which seven CMCs and one TMC have been added to the existing Bangalore city corporation limits.
Delimitation of wards includes established boundaries of electoral units and involves determining frequency criteria, degree of public participation, respective roles of elected representatives and executive branches of the Palike and others.
The present Palike comprises 100 wards, which are irregularly mapped, with some of the constituency having population over 65,000, while others consist of less than 20,000. Ward 55 (Padmanabhanagar) is the biggest constituency with more than 1 lakh population, followed by ward 55 (Ganesh Mandir) with more than 87,000 population. The smallest is Amarjyothi Nagar having only 15,000.
During the delimitation process, the residing population within the ward should match with that of census information. The entire land coming within the GB should be distributed among the wards and no blank areas should be left between the wards census blocks should be used as the basic units for formation of wards. Also population data used should be classified as suggested by the State Election Commission and existing polling stations should be also indicated, are among the terms of reference to the company given by the state government.
The government has also sanctioned Rs 29.48 lakh to the company for taking up the delimitation work.
“The company will function under overall supervision of Bangalore urban district deputy commissioner and urban development department,’’ sources in the urban development department said.
Homework time for panel
The expert committee on strategies to ensure planned growth of Greater Bangalore, headed by space scientist K Kasturirangan, held its first meeting on Saturday.
The meeting was largely restricted to addressing various issues that need to be tackled, including legislative and legal ones.
“We will be looking at the best practices in India and also outside the country and see how far they are applicable to us. All that we did today was to give ourselves some homework,’’ S Sadagopan, IIIT-B director, who is also a member in the committee said. The committee will hold its second meeting around December 20.

Grid Bus Rapid Transport planned

Grid Bus Rapid Transport planned

The Hindu

It will be between Silk Board Junction and Hebbal Flyover


BANGALORE: If a person claims that he can drive through the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and take you to Hebbal Flyover from Central Silk Board Junction on Hosur Road within 30 minutes, you might think it must be during the non-peak hours by car.

It is not so. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses will achieve this feat in the next few months, according to a new action plan to reduce journey time. At present, it takes around one hour to travel this stretch by any means.

The action plan envisages construction of dedicated bus lanes called Grid Bus Rapid Transport (BRT).

Aimed for completion by December 2007 at a cost of Rs. 435 crore, the dedicated bus lanes would be demarcated alongside the median. While one lane on both directions of the ORR would be reserved and separated by kerbstones for the rapid transport, two lanes would be kept open for private vehicles.

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) would execute the project.

Presently planned for the 37 km stretch between Silk Board and Hebbal, BRT is likely to be extended on the entire stretch of the ORR once BDA completes the realignment of ORR between Kottigepalya on Magadi Road and Nayandahalli on Mysore Road.

BRT is also feasible on any road, which has a three-lane carriageway on either direction, according to BDA officials. Similar models are being tested in Ahmedabad and Delhi.

Private vehicles

Drivers of private vehicles would have a question — how to take a right turn at intersections.

The kerbstones would be absent at intersections to allow private vehicles to take a right turn.

However, priority would be given to high-speed buses at intersections by synchronising the traffic signals, according to the traffic police. The idea behind the plan is to accord top priority to public transport and if successful, would be extended to other arterial roads.

Various promoters — the Centre, the State, BDA and BMTC — would pool in funds for the project.

The Central assistance comes from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

BMTC officials say the corporation plans to run 48 high-speed and high-capacity Volvo buses on the route only if it gets funds from JNNURM. Otherwise, commuters would have to be content with the ordinary BMTC buses.

Elections to BBMP may cost Rs. 150 crore

Elections to BBMP may cost Rs. 150 crore

The Hindu

The number of wards will increase from 100 to 150

# Each ward will have an electorate of about 50,000
# The area of BBMP will increase from 226 sq km to 741 sq km

BANGALORE: The State Government has estimated that elections to Bruhut Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), when it is formally constituted by merging seven city municipal councils, one town municipal council and a village panchayat, would cost the exchequer at least Rs. 150 crore.

It has also said that once the Greater Bangalore authority is constituted, the number of wards in the newly constituted BBMP would increase from 100 now to 150 and that each ward would have an electorate of 40,000 to 50,000 people. The population, as per the 2001 Census, would increase from 43,01,326 in Bangalore to 58,10,296 in the new entity. The area of BBMP too would increase from 226 sq km to 741 sq km.

The Government has said that an Ordinance would be needed to create the new wards and that many such aspects could be undertaken only after a careful delimitation process. The work on the delimitation process has already begun and a task force set up to monitor it, and the job of delimitation has already been entrusted to a private firm. The voters' list would be prepared ward-wise once the delimitation process is complete.

According to a report, the cost of conducting elections in the CMCs would be one-third of the cost of conducting polls to the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP). While the cost of holding elections would be in the region of Rs. 50 crore; it would be Rs. 100 crore if indirect and direct expenses for the polls were taken into account.

Citing examples, it says when elections to the BMP were held in 2001, more than 25,000 employees drawn from the palike, State and Union Government and State and Central public sector undertakings (PSUs), banks and insurance companies and schools were involved. The Government had to spent Rs. 3 crore to ensure that these employees were put on election duty.

Of them, 5,000 personnel had to work round-the-clock for two months to ensure that the elections went off without a hitch and that the polling then was held in 2,500 polling stations.

Apart from all these expenses, the money spent by the contesting candidates had been pegged at Rs. 500 crore.

It said that the voting would be through ballot papers and not through the electronic voting machines. Elections to BBMP may cost Rs. 150 crore

B.S. Ramesh

The number of wards will increase from 100 to 150

# Each ward will have an electorate of about 50,000
# The area of BBMP will increase from 226 sq km to 741 sq km

BANGALORE: The State Government has estimated that elections to Bruhut Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), when it is formally constituted by merging seven city municipal councils, one town municipal council and a village panchayat, would cost the exchequer at least Rs. 150 crore.

It has also said that once the Greater Bangalore authority is constituted, the number of wards in the newly constituted BBMP would increase from 100 now to 150 and that each ward would have an electorate of 40,000 to 50,000 people. The population, as per the 2001 Census, would increase from 43,01,326 in Bangalore to 58,10,296 in the new entity. The area of BBMP too would increase from 226 sq km to 741 sq km.

The Government has said that an Ordinance would be needed to create the new wards and that many such aspects could be undertaken only after a careful delimitation process. The work on the delimitation process has already begun and a task force set up to monitor it, and the job of delimitation has already been entrusted to a private firm. The voters' list would be prepared ward-wise once the delimitation process is complete.

According to a report, the cost of conducting elections in the CMCs would be one-third of the cost of conducting polls to the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP). While the cost of holding elections would be in the region of Rs. 50 crore; it would be Rs. 100 crore if indirect and direct expenses for the polls were taken into account.

Citing examples, it says when elections to the BMP were held in 2001, more than 25,000 employees drawn from the palike, State and Union Government and State and Central public sector undertakings (PSUs), banks and insurance companies and schools were involved. The Government had to spent Rs. 3 crore to ensure that these employees were put on election duty.

Of them, 5,000 personnel had to work round-the-clock for two months to ensure that the elections went off without a hitch and that the polling then was held in 2,500 polling stations.

Apart from all these expenses, the money spent by the contesting candidates had been pegged at Rs. 500 crore.

It said that the voting would be through ballot papers and not through the electronic voting machines.

First public road built by firm

First public road built by firm
DH News Service Bangalore:
The newly constructed 2.3-km stretch of road at Puttenhalli will go down in history as first public road in modern Bangalore to have been financed and constructed by a private builder.

The newly constructed 2.3-km stretch of road at Puttenhalli will go down in history as first public road in modern Bangalore to have been financed and constructed by a private builder.

Formally thrown open to the public on Saturday, it has been named Brigade Millennium Road after the Brigade Group, which spent more than Rs 3 crore on its construction.

Several local land developers, residents and government agencies also chipped in with their contribution. Residents of areas surrounding Puttenhalli Tank, including JP Nagar 5th and 6th phases, had to make do without a road all these years as the local authority pleaded helplessness, citing lack of funds.


Last year as many as 3,000 houses in the areas were flooded, following heavy rains.

The then chief minister Dharam Singh came under heavy fire by the residents for gross neglect of the area.

Inaugurating the road, Health Minister R Ashok said: “This is the first time that a road has been constructed entirely by a private enterprise without any government funding. Our role was limited to sanctioning the road’s construction.” Two projects -- Millennium and Gardenia -- are located on the same road.

Brigade Group Chairman M R Jaishankar expressed interest in providing 100 streetlights.

Bunty aur Babli on Bangalore roads

Bunty aur Babli on Bangalore roads
Deccan Herald

Many men folks’ heads hang in shame; others prefer to be tightlipped about their terrible experience but some dared to open up even though they refused to give a written complaint to police.

It’s the latest con job in town. Sexy temptresses thumb rides in flashy cars and rip off men who have been gullible enough to bite the bait.

Many men folks’ heads hang in shame; others prefer to be tightlipped about their terrible experience but some dared to open up even though they refused to give a written complaint to police.

Deccan Herald caught up with some middle-aged men who became poorer after a moment of weakness. Some of them even saw their laptops vanishing right in front of their eyes.


Arun (name changed), a realtor, was furious while narrating his week-end evening escapade.

“On a Saturday evening, I happened to come across a well-endowed girl on Lavelle Road. I stopped the car; she coyly got into it and initially behaved like a goody goody girl and let me do the talking. I got carried away and offered to take her on a long drive. We snacked at a joint on the outer ring road and when I tried to make advances, she refused but held my hand saying: ‘not this time, drop me back near M G Road’, and promised to meet me another time.

Midway, she took my cell phone and while pretending to play games she browsed the numbers. When the time came to drop her, she refused to get out of the car and threatened me that she was going to scream and create a scene if I didn’t part with my wallet. I was simply shocked.”

When Arun resisted and decided to call the police, she said: “Come let’s go. I have your residence and office numbers. I too know how to pin you down.”

Fearing ugly consequences, Arun said he struck a deal. She asked for Rs 15,000 and settled for Rs 12,000. The poor guy had to tap his ATM.

Another friend of Arun, a techie, too, shared a similar experience. In his case, when he refused to part with cash, she walked away with his laptop.

Police say most of these con girls have good communication skills and play on the male psyche. They also seem to get a kick out of it, bored as they are with the drudgery of BPO and new economy jobs.

Renaming binge back with a vengeance

Renaming binge back with a vengeance
Deccan Herald

Driving through Bhagwan Mahaveera Jain Road, you’ve a choice. Either head for Ferdinand Kittel Circle or go round-about to 'Minugutare Kalpana' circle. If you wonder how this tip is going to help you find your way in City, reach for the BMP’s long list of renamed roads, circle and parks.


Driving through Bhagwan Mahaveera Jain Road, you’ve a choice. Either head for Ferdinand Kittel Circle or go round-about to 'Minugutare Kalpana' circle. If you wonder how this tip is going to help you find your way in City, reach for the BMP’s long list of renamed roads, circle and parks.

The renaming binge continues to haunt the streets, parks or playgrounds in the City. This, despite the GO issued in 2004 which set strict guidelines to curb renamings. But the councillors are unrelenting. And the count for the past two months: 12 naming ceremonies and one renaming of a layout.

If the councillors had their way, the OTC (Old Taluk Cacheri) road would be Nyaya Marga, Jayanagar I to III block would be Swimming Pool extension or Seppings Road would get displaced by a name with a dash of religion: Muthyalamma temple road.


According to BMP’s revenue department officials, a good number of renaming proposals continue to pour in and are forwarded to the government by the officials after verification.

“The renaming spree has seen a lull after the guidelines of 2004, following a Council resolution,” say senior BMP officials.

As per the 2004 norms, only main roads or circles can be named for the first time, while crossroads (bylanes) do not qualify for a name as they are to be identified by the locality name followed by a serial number.

The names can be those of stalwarts in art, literature, education, social service, sports, history, etc. Similarly, the parks/playgrounds can be named after great personalities who have contributed to the nation or society. While, naming anything after a living person is not entertained, replacing an old name is subject to verification by the revenue department and govt approval.

“Any renaming proposal is to be tabled in the Council. This will be subject to a mahazar in the locality concerned. The people can file objections, if any, within 30 days. The same will be placed before the Council for a resolution. But renaming proposals will be sent straight for government approval,” says Ushadevi K C, DC (Revenue). The slew of naming ceremonies at the fag-end of the Council’s term is not only raising many brows, but stirring an old debate - of choosing between history and political whim. However, the only proposal approved by the government recently is that of Shankara Park layout, which has been rechristened Chandrashekhara Bharati layout.

“Renaming is not acceptable as it severs the past links of the City. It also belittles the person after whom the street/park was named. We need to preserve the City’s identity rather than churn out fancy names,” says former mayor P R Ramesh.

BMP demolition drive

BMP demolition drive
Deccan Herald

The BMP demolished commercial establishments set up in the basement area meant for parking vehicles, at a commercial complex on Residency Road on Saturday.

The BMP demolished commercial establishments set up in the basement area meant for parking vehicles, at a commercial complex on Residency Road on Saturday.

The officials said that half of the basement portion of Vinayaka commercial Complex (plot no 76), was occuiped for various commerical activities such as STD booths. As these stalls violated the original building plan, BMP authorities demolished them and cleared the space for parking. The demolition followed High Court orders.

First public road built by firm

First public road built by firm
Deccan Herald

The newly constructed 2.3-km stretch of road at Puttenhalli will go down in history as first public road in modern Bangalore to have been financed and constructed by a private builder.

The newly constructed 2.3-km stretch of road at Puttenhalli will go down in history as first public road in modern Bangalore to have been financed and constructed by a private builder.

Formally thrown open to the public on Saturday, it has been named Brigade Millennium Road after the Brigade Group, which spent more than Rs 3 crore on its construction.

Several local land developers, residents and government agencies also chipped in with their contribution. Residents of areas surrounding Puttenhalli Tank, including JP Nagar 5th and 6th phases, had to make do without a road all these years as the local authority pleaded helplessness, citing lack of funds.


Last year as many as 3,000 houses in the areas were flooded, following heavy rains.

The then chief minister Dharam Singh came under heavy fire by the residents for gross neglect of the area.

Inaugurating the road, Health Minister R Ashok said: “This is the first time that a road has been constructed entirely by a private enterprise without any government funding. Our role was limited to sanctioning the road’s construction.” Two projects -- Millennium and Gardenia -- are located on the same road.

Brigade Group Chairman M R Jaishankar expressed interest in providing 100 streetlights.First public road built by firm
DH News Service Bangalore:
The newly constructed 2.3-km stretch of road at Puttenhalli will go down in history as first public road in modern Bangalore to have been financed and constructed by a private builder.

The newly constructed 2.3-km stretch of road at Puttenhalli will go down in history as first public road in modern Bangalore to have been financed and constructed by a private builder.

Formally thrown open to the public on Saturday, it has been named Brigade Millennium Road after the Brigade Group, which spent more than Rs 3 crore on its construction.

Several local land developers, residents and government agencies also chipped in with their contribution. Residents of areas surrounding Puttenhalli Tank, including JP Nagar 5th and 6th phases, had to make do without a road all these years as the local authority pleaded helplessness, citing lack of funds.


Last year as many as 3,000 houses in the areas were flooded, following heavy rains.

The then chief minister Dharam Singh came under heavy fire by the residents for gross neglect of the area.

Inaugurating the road, Health Minister R Ashok said: “This is the first time that a road has been constructed entirely by a private enterprise without any government funding. Our role was limited to sanctioning the road’s construction.” Two projects -- Millennium and Gardenia -- are located on the same road.

Brigade Group Chairman M R Jaishankar expressed interest in providing 100 streetlights.

Real estate prices continue to hit the roof

Real estate prices continue to hit the roof
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Time is money. Time is of the essence. And the time is now, to buy land or house in Bangalore. With the hi-tech city attracting people from all over the country and the world, every square inch of land is coveted, every property is a gold mine.

The city has a number of multi-billion dollar projects in the pipeline like the international airport at Devanahalli, Metro Rail, Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor and others.

These developments have only escalated the prices of property in and around the city. Insiders in the real estate industry say the prices of land in the city are inflated by up to 30 per cent. Victor of Beary’s, a premier realtor in the city, said land in the central parts of Bangalore is the most expensive.

‘Property on places like Lavelle Road, Richmond Road, Infantry Road is selling from Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 per square foot. Koramangala, Sadashivanagar and some other areas are also expensive, with each square f00t selling anywhere between Rs 7,000 and Rs 15,000.

Sources say land in areas like Koramangala would fetch high pricestoo, but many land records are under litigation. The few properties that have clear records come with exorbitant price tags.

On the other hand, parts of north-east Bangalore are not much in demand. Land in areas ahead of Hennur, Hosur Road and others sell at anything between Rs 700 and Rs 1,200 per square foot, says Victor.

Owners of land along the areas where major infrastructure projects are coming up are literally sitting on gold mines. Devanahalli and land around it are going to be prime land soon. So is land on Bellary Road and Whitefield and Outer Ring Road. The selling rate is between Rs 1,300 and Rs 3,200 per square foot, but is steadily increasing with every passing day.

The realtors estimate the prices to be increasing at 15-25 per cent per annum. Inflation of prices are high too in almost all areas. The feel-good trend might well create a feeling of euphoria in the market. A crash in prices is not likely, at least immediately. For now, the owners have it good. It is a good time to sell. And a good time to buy, before prices increase further.

BMIC depends on a certain god: Kheny

BMIC depends on a certain god: Kheny
The Times of India

Mysore: Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise MD Ashok Kheny is confident the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor project will be completed. Work from Mysore will commence soon, he said on Thursday, provided the “god of Padmanabhanagar” gives land to the company.
Ashok Kheny, who was indirectly referring to former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, said the company, which is following legal procedures, has asked for land from the government. “The road we are to connect to Bangalore from Mysore falls under Chamundeshwari constituency. Let people of the constituency, where elections are being held, decide if they have to give priority to infrastructure or family affairs,” he said.
Kheny attributed the delay in starting work from Mysore to a blame game between the KIADB and public works department. He felt though the company is ready to start work, KIADB has maintained that PWD is the sanctioning authority for the 15 acres of land in Chamundeshwari constituency, while the latter says it is waiting for “God”.
He said the new road between Bannerghatta and Hosur roads will be opened to the public by November 30, to ease traffic congestion.
On Greater Bangalore, Kheny had this criticism: “What they are doing for a Greater Bangalore is wrong. When you can’t feed your family, why adopt your neighbour’s kids? Worry about your house first and then your neighbour’s.”
Coming down heavily on chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, who is campaigning for his party candidate Shivabasappa in Chamundeshwari, Kheny termed the CM’s recent tour of villages as part of his Janata Darshan, a “gimmick before elections”.
“Staying in people’s houses and posing for photographs are just to show that he cares for the villagers. It is sinful. If you really mean it, sleep in villages every day.”
He said Mysore is the greatest city in the world, which has to maintain its beauty and not make a cesspool of garbage like Bangalore. The city can produce good engineers, he added.

Bangaloreans see dip in property prices

Bangaloreans see dip in property prices
The Times of India

Bangalore: The somewhat berserk run that property prices in Bangalore saw for over three years appears finally to have ended. While prices, especially of commercial property, in some areas like Whitefield have actually dipped a little, those in other locations are rising at only a steady clip.
Between 2003 and early 2006, apartment prices rose by 40% to 50% per annum in many locations. And land prices even more. But now, the average price rise is seen to be no more than 5% to 10%. The only exceptions are north Bangalore —towards the upcoming international airport —and the city centre, where end-user buying and investor sentiments are still keeping prices buoyant.
“The buyer response in South-East Bangalore (which saw the biggest jumps in prices in previous years) is now less than enthusiastic,” says Manisha Grover, national director in property consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle India. “This is reflected in lower absorption and flattening growth rate of capital values. The growth in average capital values has reduced drastically to about 5% during the current year.”
A Balakrishna Hegde, president, Karnataka Ownership Apartments Promoters’ Association (KOAPA), agrees: “Though the number of jobs, as also salaries, are going up, buyers have become cautious and are delaying their purchase. So there is stability in the market, which is good.”
The phenomenon of speculative buying — people buying property with the intention to sell it within a few months and make some profit — is seen to have lost momentum, with investors believing that the Bangalore market is peaking. Earlier, when prices were rising at over Rs 50/sq ft a month, such speculative buying would have been rewarded with substantial gains.
“But now builders are unable to raise prices like that. In Whitefield, some developers have been forced to reduce their quoted prices from Rs 2,500-2,600/sq ft to Rs 2,000-2,300,” says I Mahabaleswarappa, MD of Ittina Group.
Feroze Abdulla of Feroze’s Estate Agency says central Bangalore is still hot, but the general market is not. While the city centre suffers a severe supply shortage, in other parts, supply has increased markedly. KOAPA estimates some 1.4 lakh flats are currently under construction (to be complete in 2.5 years), against the annual demand of 30,000 flats.
The same is true in the commercial property space. Here, while demand continues to be good, supply has kept pace, and in some locations has outstripped demand. Ankur Srivastava, MD of property consultancy DTZ Debenham Tie Leung, says lease rentals in the South-East belt (along outer ring road) has risen just about 5% in the last six months.