Infrastructure gets boost from Centre

Infrastructure gets boost from Centre
The Times of India

Bangalore: Bangaloreans fed up with that much-delayed flyover, or a civic project just not taking off for years, can smile. With Rs 10,000 crore on the anvil, the picture looks rosy.
After relegating Bangalore to the back-burner for a year, the government of India has finally agreed to release funds for the city’s inclusion in JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission). Bangalore’s Comprehensive Development Plan prepared by the BMP in tandem with empanelled consultants IDECK and Wilbur Smith has been approved, albeit informally, by the central government a month ago. A formal approval is expected on November 24, and a team from the BMP, including commissioner K Jairaj, would meet the officials of urban development ministry, New Delhi.
“We will be getting funding approvals for NURM this week, the exact amount for various projects needs to be worked out,’’ says Jairaj. Thus far, the state has submitted 10 DPRs (detailed project reports) to the Centre to the tune of Rs 852 crore. The rider is that every single project like a grade-separator at Malleswaram or a flyover at Minerva Circle needs to be sent to New Delhi for approval. Accordingly, four DPRs on storm water drains, four on grade-separators and two on IT/BT roads have been sent for approval.
For the period 2006-2012, the outlay Bangalore has proposed is an upwards of Rs 10,000 crore. Authorities are unclear if this amount would be released as a lump or in a phased manner.
Says Gaurav Gupta, special commissioner, BMP, “The nitty-gritty is being worked out. Our CDP took time because it involved a lot of participation. It was scrutinised and cleared a month ago. The stage is set for funds to start flowing in.’’
Bangalore’s claim to fame circa December 2005 was that a CDSP (City Development Strategy Plan) was in place making it one of the first ready cities. Consequently, the plan was turned down by the Centre asking authorities to prepare a fresh CDP. Did this affect the city? Yes, admit authorities, for infrastructure projects have been held in limbo for the very reason. Incidentally, Mysore has proved a fore-runner with its CDP already appraised and cleared by the Centre.
BENEFIT FOR
Storm water drains
Valley remodelling
Flyovers and grade-separators planned in this year’s budget
Inner Core Ring Road
Rejuvenation of old market areas, road projects