Govt’s proposal may leave Rs 445-cr project high and dry

Govt’s proposal may leave Rs 445-cr project high and dry



The Times of India



Bangalore: A multi-crore road project finalised, alignment fixed and bids invited. But now, the government wants a review of the technical parameters of the project to accommodate Metro Rail’s alignment.
The six-laning of Tumkur Road taken up by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) runs along the Metro corridor of the BMRCL and the state government has now felt that the two projects could be integrated to prepare a composite plan and design.
In a letter to the Union minister of state for road transport and highways, K H Muniyappa, chief minister H D Kumaraswamy has brought the issue to his notice and has sought for a review of technical parameters.
“Without satisfactorily resolving the problem, it is understood that the NHAI has gone ahead with the tendering proposals without accommodating
the needs of BMRCL,’’ Kumaraswamy has said in his letter on December 15.
The 19.5-km toll expressway from Ring Road junction on Tumkur Road that runs along National Highway 4, is a Rs 445-crore project mooted by the NHAI. The six-lane carriageway access controlled road with service roads, starts with a 4.5-km elevated road up to Widia factory. The road has seven underpasses at important junctions and another flyover at Kunigal junction.
“The BMRCL is a joint venture between Government of India and Government of Karnataka and both governments attach highest priority to the timely completion of the Metro Rail project. Any delay in this regard will have adverse consequences for both governments. If BMRCL and NHAI are unable to resolve the impasse, we will have to bring this fact to the notice of the Empowered Group of Ministers that has been constituted to monitor the Metro Rail project. Given the situation, resolve the issue so as to ensure that the design and plan is acceptable to NHAI and BMRCL,’’ Kumaraswamy has pointed out.
However, the NHAI has ruled out the possibility of any change to the alignment now
The project is being implemented on BoT basis and financial bid has been invited. NHAI has received bids from two firms which will be finalised shortly.
“The expressway alignment has been frozen. The project is not a temporary one to change the design. Any adjustment will have huge financial implications which is not feasible. It has already been communicated that no alterations can be made at this juncture,’’ NHAI officials added.