A ring road is fine, but not enough to decongest Bangalore, says Balu

A ring road is fine, but not enough to decongest Bangalore, says Balu
Financial Express

BANGALORE, JUN 6: Union minister for shipping, road transport and highways TR Balu has given orders for the preparation of detailed feasibility report (DFR) and detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed intermediate ring road (IRR) around Greater Bangalore.

After reviewing the status of ongoing National Highway projects in Karnataka, he said the IRR project, which will cover a stretch of 250 km, aims to decongest traffic in the IT city.

The project will require Rs 2,500-3,000 crore for land acquisition alone, he said adding, “we have requested the Karnataka government to allot lands for the project.”He said almost all roads under National Highways entering Bangalore are either six or ten lane.

In addition to it, the elevated corridor project from Silk Board terminal to Electronic City will have 14-lane, the first-of-its kind in the country. He said the metro rail project will ease the traffic in the city.

However, he indicated that road development alone would not decongest traffic in the Bangalore city.

Balu also said the National Highways department would prepare DPRs for proposals submitted by the state government to provide facilities on the road leading to

Devanahalli, where Bangalore International Airport is coming up.

During the review meeting, Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy submitted a memorandum to the Union minister demanding the Centre for early execution of four-laning of Bangalore-Kolar-Mulbagal and elevated highway on Bangalore-Nelamangala section of NH-4, which were awarded by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Urging the Centre to expedite four-laning of Nelamangala-Hassan section of NH-48, Kumaraswamy also appealed to the Centre to develop Karwar Port (second stage) under the National Maritime Development Programme at an estimated cost of Rs 304 crore.