Upmarket layout down in the dumps

Upmarket layout down in the dumps
HSR Layout Residents Air Grievances; Demand Action From MLA, Police, BBMP Officials
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Water problems, increasing crime rate, sewage line overflow, stormwater drain blockage, scarcity of public transport, traffic congestion, underdeveloped parks — the list of HSR Layout residents’ woes is unending.
To address their problems, residents of the layout met local MLA Sathish Reddy, the police and BBMP officials on Sunday. Federation of HSR Layout Residents’ Welfare Associations, consisting of welfare associations of the seven sectors, aired their grievances at the meet.
The layout was approved by the BDA under the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) 2015 and several sites were demarcated for development of parks, a sports complex, a community building and other public amenities. But a few changes in the basic plan have aggrieved the residents.
K Narayana Swamy, general secretary of the federation, in his introductory remark at the meet said: “Although according to the layout blueprint, there were sites reserved for playgrounds, a hospital and other public amenities, they plan was recently altered and authorities are trying to give these sites to government agencies. This should be revoked as the residents of the locality need several basic facilities. There is a provision for parks in the original blueprint but a lot of parks are still underdeveloped.’’
He welcomed the government’s decision to defer the Capital Value System (CVS) for assessment of property tax and to set up a committee to submit a report. “The committee should prepare a report considering welfare of the residents,’’ he said.
Elaborating on transport problems of the locality, Narayana Swamy said: “Being a residential locality, there is not adequate mass transportation available. Residents find it difficult to travel to places like Majestic, Jayanagar and Shivajinagar, the major bus stations in the city. We have already approached the transport authorities to look into this but nothing has been done so far.’’
Kariyappa, a resident, said: ‘There are a lot of traffic-related problems and too few traffic policemen manning the locality. A locality as big as ours should have a dedicated traffic official.’’ Other residents raised a barrage of questions about safety and complained about the rising crime rate in the area. Police officer Konappa Reddy assured them and said they will intensify the usual beats to keep crime in check. Adugodi traffic inspector S T Chandrashekhar and Madiwala traffic inspector T Venkatesh were also present on the occasion and assured better traffic management.
MLA Sathish Reddy directed the BBMP and health department officials to take immediate action on provision of basic facilities and assured the residents about the locality’s development as per their demands.

B-TRAC project is on the right track

B-TRAC project is on the right track
Praveen Sood


The question often posed to me is whether Bangalore Traffic Improvement Programme (BTRAC) will end traffic congestion. It does not envisage creating additional infrastructure which can only be done jointly by BBMP, BDA, Railways, Bescom, BMTC and other private initiatives. Our present infrastructure is highly inadequate to cater to 35 lakh vehicles with additional 4 lakh vehicles put on the roads every year.
The real solution is creation of infrastructure and efficient mass transport system as envisaged in Comprehensive Traffic and Transportation Plan for Bangalore (CTTP 2007) which provided a 15-year blueprint with investment of about Rs 46,000 crore. Traffic management is the joint responsibility of every department associated with city planning and development. Holding traffic policeman responsible for congestion is an over-simplification, possibly because cops in white uniforms are the only visible aspect to a common man.
Where does B-TRAC fit in? It provides us the tools to manage traffic efficiently within existing resources. It ensures better road user behaviour through enforcement which will result in reduction in congestion.
The ambitious B-TRAC project, the first of its kind in the country, essentially has five components, the first one being Junction Improvement. The speed of traffic depends on road capacity of road and ease with which traffic clears the junction. There is very little traffic police can do to increase the road width. However, by scientifically modifying the shape of junctions e.g. making it bell shaped at the ends, creating channelizing islands and proper road marking and signages, the capacity can be increased. It doesn’t solve the problem of over-saturated junctions where the solution could be a grade separator.
The second component is street furniture. People won’t follow lane discipline unless there are properly demarcated lanes; people won’t respect pedestrians crossing the roads unless there are proper zebra crossings and stop lines. It’s essential to have state-of-the-art road markings along with accessories like reflective tubular cones, chevrons, delineators, road studs, object markers, hazard markers, etc. Road signages, if properly understood, can tremendously improve road user behaviour.
The requirement of manpower to manage traffic is steadily going up and this is where technology can play a major role. Every time a traffic signal is erected, we can deploy three-four policemen elsewhere. By effectively capturing traffic violation through technology, the practice of policemen physically stopping people and penalizing them on the roads can be done away with. Technology is the backbone of B-TRAC.
Signals with vehicles actuated cycle timings synchronized with each other in the central area based on actual traffic flows is the main component of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Already 170 signals have been connected to the traffic management centre through BSNL. Traffic density could determine cycle timings and later, this can be ITdriven, based on real-time data. Further, 204 new signals to be activated in next nine months, can release large number of policemen for deployment to neglected areas. Surveillance and enforcement of important junctions through cameras not only helps enforce better discipline and enhance safety but also provide useful data for traffic studies, which has to be a basis for design of Area Traffic Control (ATC). Currently, 40 cameras are in operation and this will go up to 80 by month-end.
Erection of Variable Message System is another component of ITS. It provides information on gantries about prevailing traffic conditions which may help make informed choices about travel plans.
Often, we hear the resolve to convert Bangalore into Singapore. This cannot happen unless we learn to drive the way we do while in Singapore. Attitudinal changes have to accompany infrastructure development. B-TRAC plays a major role in shaping the right behaviour of road users thereby enabling complete benefit of infrastructure development. This component includes construction of modern traffic training institutes catering to every section of road users.
Traffic woes can be eliminated by management of demand and supply. The solution lies in controlling demand for private transport by creating efficient mass rapid transport system and increase supply through creation of massive infrastructure as envisaged in CTTP. Optimum benefit can only be achieved through better road user behaviour, the main objective of B-TRAC.
(The writer is additional commissioner
of police, traffic and security)

BMTC hikes pass fareBMTC hikes pass fare

BMTC hikes pass fare
Bangalore, DHNS:
The BMTC has increased the rates of its monthly commuter bus passes by Rs 30.



The upward revision will mean that commuters will have to pay an additional Rs 1. However, the hike is not applicable to the special senior citizen passes.

Officials from the State run corporation said the steep increase in the cost of operation, resulting from the increase in rates of high speed diesel (HSD) will mean an additional yearly expenditure of Rs 145 crore.
“To meet this additional expenditure, we have proposed a marginal upward revision.

Despite the increase, the cost of everyday travel by monthly pass continues to be far cheaper than the day pass price at Rs 30,” explained officials.

New passes

BMTC has also introduced three new types of bus passes. These will be available to commuters only at the Kempegowda Bus Station.

HIKE AND AFTER

Present rate of monthly pass

* City bus: Rs 390
* Sub-urban bus: Rs 535
* Pushpak bus: Rs 570

New rates after hike
*City: Rs 420
* Sub-urban: Rs 565
* Pushpak: Rs 600

CISF to take over BIA security

CISF to take over BIA security
By S Praveen Dhaneshkar, DH News Service, Bangalore:


As the new Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) completed its first month of commercial operations on Tuesday, the security at the airport provided by the State police has not checked petty crimes in its vicinity.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will soon take over entire security of the new aerodrome, including the vast open space adjacent to the main terminal building.

Sources in the CISF told Deccan Herald that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoH), New Delhi, is expected to clear a proposal to sanction an additional strength of about 300 personnel.

“A proposal has been sent to the MoH for additional forces. It is likely to be sanctioned very soon, in view of the overall aspect of the importance an international airport should be accorded. With this, the city side of the airport,including the car parking area, air-cargo complex and the trumpet interchange highway, would come under the ambit of the CISF. This would translate into our personnel in ‘mufti’ (Plainclothes) keeping an extra vigil within and outside the airport terminal,” a senior official from the central paramilitary force said.

Taken for granted?

Officials added that incidents of theft of laptops were higher at the HAL airport.
“Here at BIA, each passing day has witnessed the situation getting better. However, recent incidents like minor thefts outside the terminal building, an airline passenger being caught with a fake passport and another nabbed after a narcotic substance was found in his baggage, shows that people tend to take security inside an airport for granted,” explained CISF sources.

Currently, over 1,000 personnel have been posted at BIA and are in charge of airport and land side security. The cover provided by the CISF is in compliance with the norms laid down by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, and is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

It is also equipped with an elite bomb disposal and dog squads, round-the-clock.

BBMP law to leash pet dog owners

BBMP law to leash pet dog owners
By S Lalitha, DH News Service, Bangalore:
In a bid to make owners of pet dogs more responsible, the BBMP will bring in amendments to the existing by-law on dogs in its statute book. The move is also an effort to exploit the availability of the existing technology.


BBMP Deputy Commissioner of Health Vasanth Rao (who holds additional charge as DC, Resources) told Deccan Herald that a six-member committee was working on the kind of changes to be incorporated. “The existing bylaw is outdated and dates back to 1965. The changes will be introduced next month after its final report is ready.”
It has been made mandatory for pet dogs owners to have licences but it has not been implemented so far, he said.

“The enforcement will be made strict shortly.” In addition, the dog collars proposed for the dogs will have RFID technology which will make it very easy to trace a missing dog.

The thrust in campaigns by BBMP has been concentrated on stray dogs so far. Much attention will be paid to pet dogs in the proposed changes, Rao said.

“A database of all pet dogs in the City will be created and it will maintain details, particularly whether the pets have been injected the anti-rabies vaccine.”

Pet dogs are responsible for a considerable number of dog bites in the City which most people do not realise, Rao said.
“The anti-rabies vaccine provided free of cost in dog-bite cases ranges between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 and was a major expense for the BBMP,” the Deputy Commissioner said.

Expensive

“Within a six-hour period, a single vaccine can be used for four people but most of the time, it is not four people who are available to take it and it gets used only for one individual.” If we are able to check out if the dog that has bitten has already been injected with a vaccine, then we could save the costs incurred, he added.
A major menace was the defecation caused by pets when taken out on walks.

“Specific areas where the dogs could be taken for walks might be identified or we may make it mandatory for the owners to clean up the mess.”

The BBMP would hold talks with many resident associations within the next ten days to gather their views about it, Rao said.

Hurdles dot BIA escape routes

Hurdles dot BIA escape routes
Bangalore, DHNS:
With the burgeoning growth of the city, the Public Works Department was compelled to develop four alternative roads linking the City to the BIA.


The pressing issue that dogged the opening of the BIA was about getting to the airport. With the super expressway route considered unfeasible, pressure mounted as it took hours to reach the airport in the traffic-ridden Bellary route.

With the burgeoning growth of the city, the Public Works Department was compelled to develop four alternative roads linking the City to the BIA. One such road passes through Hennur and Kothnur. Deccan Herald did a reality check of the road on Sunday.

Starting from MG Road, en route Frazer Town, Hennur Bande and Kothnur, the ride was witness to potholes and garbage, barring the tarred ‘alternative’ that made the journey rather smooth. Covering nearly 45 kilometres in about two hours, the stretch was a scenic one with a lush backdrop of the Bagalur-Hennur main road.
But there were hitches that came on the way.

The six-lane NH-7 passing through Mekhri circle, Hebbal flyover, Yelahanka and Devanahalli is about 40 kms from MG road. What would take 30 minutes to cover the stretch on a quiet day, it takes not less than 80 minutes during peak hours.

Constructions in work-in-progress stage gave troublesome diversions. At Byrathi Cross in Kothnur, the construction of a culvert was underway and will be completed in two months. An alternative road is being developed. It became an awry stretch when we found the road missing and the vehicle had to detour and slow down to swerve through the bouldered road.

At Dwaraka Nagar, the road seemed to be non-existent and instead, there were boulders in place.
If this route gains popularity and the traffic begins to teem, even a minor glitch could jam the entire traffic system. For those stranded, it wouldn’t be worthwhile to detrack as they would be a few kilometres from their destination.

So, will another alternative be worth considering?

Petty jobs, a far cry from BIAL’s promises

Petty jobs, a far cry from BIAL’s promises
Monday June 30 2008 10:09 IST

Hemanth C S | ENS

BANGALORE: A month after it began commercial flight operations, Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) might be witnessing smooth take-offs and landings on the airside.

But trouble may be brewing on land, as the farmers who gave up their land have accused the promoters of the airport and the Government of not protecting their interests. Farmers from Maylanahalli, Gangamuthanahalli, Arsingunte, Bawapura, Kandenappanahalli and surrounding villages, who had surrendered their mostly agricultural land, for compensation and employment at the airport, have said that the jobs given are petty with paltry salaries.

Farmers, who have presently been employed as security guards and ground staff at the apron area and in the parking bays, had been promised employment by BIAL. However, now they have been outsourced to various agencies and companies.

"It was promised that one person from each family that gave up land would be employed at the airport. But the jobs given fetch salaries as low as Rs 3,000," said Munianjanappa, currently employed with G4S.

City needs Metro Planning Council

City needs Metro Planning Council
Sunday June 29 2008 11:12 IST

ENS

BANGALORE: Member of Rajya Sabha K Kasturirangan and former Chief Secretary A Ravindra advocated the need for constituting a Metropolitan Planning Council for Bangalore metropolitan region that comprises Bangalore city, Bangalore Rural district, Ramanagaram district and Chikballapur district.

The council will have 63 members comprising 42 elected representatives and 21 nominated members, which would include nine experts from various fields. Under Bangalore Metropolitan Administration Act, a Mayor for a five-year term would be elected. The Act should also have provisions to appoint experts from private sector for the post of BBMP Commissioner with a tenure of three years.

The present system has provisions to appoint only IAS officers as a Commissioner. BMRDA should be made the sole authority for planning restricting BDA only for development works, Kasturirangan andRavindra said.

Demands for BMIC and HAL

Demands for BMIC and HAL
Sunday June 29 2008 11:10 IST

ENS

BANGALORE: The completion of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor and the reopening of the HAL airport were some of the major demands of participants in the Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructure Development.

On why BMIC project work, which would help alleviate the city’s traffic congestion, was being held up, BDA Commissioner Siddaiah said that work on the BMIC was almost complete, except at the stretch near Gottikeri village, which was held up due to litigation.

Other participants demanded that the HAL airport be re-opened to handle the expected increase in air traffic. They said that having two airports would help distribute the traffic. Infosys Director of Human Resources Mohan Das Pai said that the IT community was disappointed with the previous regime’s apathy towards Bangalore’s infrastructure problems and hoped that the new Government would live up to its promises.

He said that the Government needs a vision for the next five years and should chalk out concrete plans to achieve its goals. He also said that government agencies should be made accountable and monthly progress reports must be submitted.

Some other demands

- Rail link connecting BIA and the city should terminate at Dairy circle, instead of BRV theatre

- The PRR should integrate with the BMIC

- The Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)scheme for acquiring land should be popularised

- Multi-level parking should be constructed at BBMP markets

- Mono Rail should be constructed to supplement the Metro

- Better designed underpasses should be constructed

- The Mysore Road flyover should extend up to BIA

692-km transport systems will be needed by 2025

692-km transport systems will be needed by 2025
Sunday June 29 2008 10:56 IST

ENS

BANGALORE: The city will need over 692 km of mass transport systems by 2025 to ensure smooth commutation and decongest the traffic density on city roads.

According to a proposal submitted to the State Government by RITES, Bangalore will need 137 km of Metro rail, 60 km of Mono rail, 291 km of Bus Rapid System and a Commuter rail service of 204 km to cope with the city’s 93 lakh expected commuters. Making a presentation at a workshop on ‘Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructure Development’ S Sachidhar, RITES representative, said, "The number of vehicles is increasing at an annual rate of 11.5 per cent, with 1,461 vehicles per 1,000 households. According to experts, the only solution is an efficient mass transport system.

The plan proposes increasing the number of commuters using public transport from current 46 per cent to 75 per cent. The plan, expected to cost over Rs 46,900 crore, will be executed in three phases and proposes new strategies for the development of the city’s overall transport system.

Integration of various modes of transport

- Traffic diversion on the PRR and Intermediate Ring Road - Creation of transport hubs on the periphery of the city _ Improvement of Radial, Ring and other important roads.

The plan proposes that 209 km of new roads be constructed and 644 km of existing roads be widened. Grade separators for 28 roads and 18 rail crossings and 16.5 km of elevated roads will also be constructed. New parking facilities will be built to house over 10,000 vehicles.

Bus system

The proposal also suggests 10,000 new buses, 45 new Traffic and Transit Management Centres (TTMC) and four new inter-city bus terminals on the outskirts of the city.

Traffic Managemennt

CM puts Bangalore on fast track

CM puts Bangalore on fast track
Sunday June 29 2008 10:37 IST

ENS

BANGALORE: Reiterating his promise of transforming Bangalore into a world class city, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Saturday announced setting up of a high power committee, which he will head, to ensure time-bound implementation of all the infrastructure projects for the city and assured Bangaloreans that he would make them see the change within a year.

Yeddyurappa, who sat through the day-long interactive workshop ‘Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructure Development’ involving BBMP, BDA, BWSSB and all other civic agencies and the citizens, organised as part of his initiative to fulfil BJP’s poll promises for the city, declared "Resources will not be a constraint. It is just the question of political will. We will do it with central assistance and private participation."

Setting the agenda for putting Bangalore on the fast track of development, he said, "The high level committee would have experts and senior officials and will meet every month. I will chair its meeting once in three months to review the progress of various infrastructure and civic works. We will also come out with a progress report for the public every four months. We will take quick decisions on the projects and monitor their time-bound implementation."

He also said the focus would not be confined to Bangalore alone, but similar interactive sessions would be held in seven other towns of the State including Hubli-Dharwad, Gulbarga and Bellary. A separate meeting of farmers’ representatives had been convened on July 1 to tackle rural issues and farmers’ grievances.

"All-round development of the entire State is our goal." The Chief Minister said he would soon meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek liberal central assistance for development of Bangalore and seek the advice of former President A P J Abdul Kalam on improving infrastructure in rural areas. Earlier, presenting his views, director HR of Infosys, T V Mohandas Pai expressed his disappointment at the slow progress of some of the projects in the last three years. "We want action on the ground, not promises.What is the vision and plan of action for Bangalore? We want to see high quality work immediately without any delay. We are ready to work with you in this regard." He wanted the hurdles removed for speedy completion of the controversial Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise expressway and quick decisions to start work on second phase of metro project to extend its connectivity upto Whitefield in the east and Electronics City on the southern stretch. The workshop received suggestions and presentations galore for improving traffic conditions, housing, drinking water and other amenities in the city.

Metro impacts biz on MG road

Metro impacts biz on MG road
PRIYANKA HALDIPUR
BENGALURU


S ome things just get better with age… the wine in your cabinet, your favourite pair of denims and your granddad’s snowy white mop of hair. The list could go on, but one thing you can never expect to see in it is blueprints of the Metro Rail.

Work on this dazzling bit of infrastructure, that promises to take Bengaluru to new heights, started in 2006.

The M.G. Road boulevard was torn down much to the dismay of environmentalists and citizens of Bengaluru, to make way for Phase One of Namma Metro from Byappanahalli to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium. It’s 2008, and still no sign of anything concrete.

The structure is expected to be thrown open to the public in 2009.

Till then businesses on one of Bengaluru’s most prominent roads will have to face gloomy weather. “We have seen a 50 per cent drop in our business. It is mainly because people who are approaching M.G. Road from Trinity Circle spend close to 45 minutes waiting in traffic. They lose their patience eventually, look for the closest side lane and return,” complains Tony Leong, proprietor of a popular salon on M.G. Road.

Even the restaurants in the area have seen a dip in their business.

A spokesperson from Ebony laments, “Finding parking has become a huge problem for our customers. And the traffic jams are a major source of headache.

Earlier, we had regulars who would even drive 15 to 20 kilometres for a meal with us. We have lost out on most of them.

And how can they be blamed.” A.

Govardhan of Bangalore Ham shop adds, “There is no entry for autos from Anil Kumble Circle towards Cauvery. Most of my customers complain about this.” But life has to go on. And a true businessman knows how to adjust his sails to the wind, or manage to stay afloat despite the lack of it.

Those running businesses on M.G. Road have adapted to the inconvenience and losses that the construction work on the Metro has spelt for them, in ways of their own. Some have got ready for beginnings at other locations.

“Most of our clients have started shopping in Jayanagar or Malleswaram since M.G. Road is tough to access. Our business has gone down by about 40 per cent.

We will be opening another outlet at Magrath Road now,” says Ganesh Bhaskar, supervisor, Nalli. He hopes that the new showroom will help make up for the losses from the M.G. Road out let.

Some have got ready to pack their bags and move to greener pastures.

“We have not been able to break even ever since we started. We have decided to shift to our beauty salon to Indiranagar where most of our loyal customers are based,” says Leong.

And some others are trying to make life a little easier for their customers by improving facilities such as parking. Ebony has taken the effort to extend its basement parking area for the convenience of its customers. Even Tiger Bay, that has had a reputation for being an expen sive restaurant, has resorted to adaptive measures in the hope of bringing customers back. “We introduced a lunch buffet, priced at Rs 125 per head minus taxes, around two months ago. This has increased our customer base inspite of the problems from the Metro,” says Pradip Saha, manager and corporate chef, Tiger Bay.

“The frequency of the Metro trains will be every four minutes initially. This would increase to three minutes by 2021,” promises the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited website. The other benefits of Metro Rail include decrease in road accidents, pollution levels, fuel consumption, and commute time. Ah joy! Hopefully it will all go as planned for the sake of citizens, and so that businesses in and around the stretch can see happy days again.

No Kannada? Your shop is sealed

No Kannada? Your shop is sealed
BY ASHWINI Y.S.
BENGALURU


Article Rank





Businessmen in namma Bengaluru will have to mandatorily display boards in Kannada or be ready to shut shop. And this time there might not be any warning from the government.

In a push for namma bhashe (our language), Kannada Development Authority (KDA) chairperson, Mukhyamantri Chan dru, going a step ahead of his predecessor, has said that shops and establishments without boards in Kannada will be penalised.

In 2007, Dr Siddalingaiah, ex-chairperson of KDA, had said that the government will initiate legal measures against shops, business establishments, hospitals, cinemas and organisations, and persons responsible for public and private hoardings, that have not displayed signboards in Kannada prominently. The Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2007, an Act to be implemented across the state, had authorised KDA to book cases against those violating the Act through the Department of Labour.

Mr Chandru told Deccan Chronicle that the KDA will push for heavier penalties. “We will increase it to Rs 10,000. If the violator does not adhere to this, then we will order the shop be shut for a year. Further violations will result in cancellation of renewals.” He said neither the government nor the KDA were against display of signboards in any scheduled Indian language, but they were keen on Kannada boards being displayed prominently. Under the proposed Act, a fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 and a three to six months sentence can be imposed in case of first-time offenders.

Second-time offenders would attract a flat penalty of Rs 20,000 and six months to a year in prison.

‘PPP model key to beautiful city’

‘PPP model key to beautiful city’
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Just about a month into wielding the state reins, chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on Saturday said the PPP model was “most essential” to build a beautiful Bangalore and tackling the problems of bad roads, and inadequate power and drinking water.
Recollecting the contributions of scientists to the state at the Agenda for Bengaluru Infrastructure Development 2008, Yeddyurappa said Bangalore was the hub of scientists and intellectuals. The IT boom of the 1990s had led to tremendous growth of the city.
The CM’s meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former President Abdul Kalam had been on issues of improving the infrastructure. “I have asked for an emergency fund of Rs 5,000 crore from finance minister P Chidambaram and all the basic infrastructure for Bangalore will be provided for,” he said.
The stakeholders made presentations on projects that will take off shortly. The BBMP commissioner S Subramanya announced plans of constructing elevated corridors linking north-south and eastern parts up to BIA to provide seamless travel. This apart, the Transferable Development Scheme, using which the public land would be acquired for road widening, would be modified and BDA sites are likely to be given as compensation to land losers. The BDA will expedite the construction of peripheral ring road, convert outer ring road into a signal-free stretch and develop five new layouts, said its commissioner H Siddaiah.
Managing director of infrastructure development department V Madhu, presenting the progress of high-speed rail link project to BIA, said the government has approved the detailed project report for 34 km of the link. The project, which will begin by mid-2009, will take 2 years and 9 months for completion.
M o h a n d a s Pai of Infosys, representing the industry, recalled the PPP days of Bangalore and said people were frustrated and had given up hope for three years. He placed a list of essential services that should be taken up on priority and also stressed for a regular review of the projects discussed.
Experts presented their views of governance in municipal administration, traffic and transportation. Group discussions were held on infrastructure, civic services and urban governance. The meet saw a good turnout of senior officials of all agencies, experts, urban planners and citizens.
toiblr.reporter@timesgroup.com

Mohandas Pai (L), V Madhu

Bangaloreans find their voice

Bangaloreans find their voice
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Bangaloreans got an opportunity to air their views on Saturday. They argued and fought to get their voices heard by people they had elected. They grabbed the mikes and poured out their ire on the officials. While some complained of bad connectivity, improper planning and other problems, some farmers whose lands have been notified for peripheral ring road project also protested vociferously. Some suggestions put forth at the summit:
Doreswamy of PES: Remove obstacle between Tumkur Road and Hosur Road, the NICE stretch. Crate a corridor from Sarjapur to Hosur.
Balakrishna Hegde, builders association: Curb visual pollution —banners and cut-outs of politicians. Wide underpasses needed. B R Srinivas Murthy, IISc: Take more experts in committees. Connect high-speed rail to BIA from Dairy Circle instead of city centre.
Have web-based portal for road cutting sanctions
Keep HAL airport open.
Allow higher FAR in some areas. Flyovers for light vehicles only. Reduce water leakage to 15%. Places like Race Course and Bangalore Palace Grounds should be kept as open lung spaces.
Roshan Baig, Shivajinagar MLA:
Supply unpotable water for nondrinking purposes and potable water for drinking. Hawkers’ zones and food zones to ease traffic movement Direct garbage collection Prevent footpaths from becoming an extension of shops as this causes great inconvenience to pedestrians.

PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE

PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE

BBMP
Elevated roads via ducts linking North-South and Eastern parts of the city. North-South corridor to be 16 kms long and Eastern corridor to be 12 kms long. Project cost estimated at Rs 2,800-3,000 crore, concession period of 25-30 years.
10.2 km elevated road from Sirsi Circle to Kengeri on PPP model.
Construction of grade separators at 17 junctions to have uninterrupted traffic flow on outer ring road. Approximate cost Rs 500 crore. The outer ring road is 62.5 km with 30 junctions.
In lake rejuvenation project worth Rs 190 crore, 17 lakes transferred to BBMP to be cleared of encroachment, desilted and beautified.
A modern abattoir facility on the outskirts. Proposal to recycle debris for use in road construction also being sought. Garbage generation is over 3,000 metric tonnes per day.
New parking policy for on-street and off-street parking.
BMTC
Increasing fleet strength to 310 Volvo Vajras at a cost of Rs 143 crore within nine months, starting from July 2008.
Construction of eight traffic and transit management centres at a cost of Rs 412.36 crore in 24 months. Ten TTMCs identified out of 45 proposed under JNUURM. Pilot project in Jayanagar at a cost of Rs 12.90 crore in progress, to be completed by March 2009.
BDA
Construct underpasses/ grade separators to make ORR signal-free from Hebbal to Central Silk Board.
Peripheral ring road around the city under a 100% PPP model at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore. Duration of 30 months expected.
Development of 12 water bodies proposed at a cost of Rs 150 crore within seven months. Clearance from JNNURM awaited.
Formation of Kempe Gowda Layout covering 4,815 acres at a cost of Rs 2,820 crore. 60,879 sites of various dimensions proposed
BMRDA
Township project at a cost of Rs 40,000 crore in 60 months. Township to be of international standards and financial benefits of Rs 3,450 crore expected.
Development of satellite town ring road including individual town ring road in BMR. The total length of STRR to be 204 kms and that of ITRR to be 163 kms.
Development of integrated townships at Bidadi, Ramanagaram, Satanur, Solur, Nandagudi in a concession period of 20 years.
BESCOM
Distribution upgradation project at a cost of Rs 617 crore in 50 months for reliability of power supply. To start in June 2008 and to reduce outages and cost of energy.
Aerial bunched cables at a cost of Rs 360 crore in 60 months to focus on safety and avoiding theft.
KARNATAKA HOUSING BOARD
High-rise residential buildings at Suryanagar and Yelahanka at a cost of Rs 34 crore and Rs 10 crore respectively. Focus on integrated slum imporovement for slum-free cities.
BANGALORE METROPOLITAN LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY
Better access to Majestic area in 6-8 weeks at an estimated cost of Rs 10 lakh. Easing congestion at KR Puram Bridge, Yeshwanthpur to Hesaraghatta Junction, Bannerghatta Road to Silk Board Junction, at Rs 5 lakh each.
Introduction of bicycle tracks in areas like Jayanagar, Koramangala, Rajajinagar, Basavanagudi, etc.
Formalising car pooling scheme, study to evaluate existing models of car pooling and suggest an appropriate scheme for introducing it in BMR.
KARNATAKA STATE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
High-speed rail link to BIA at a cost of Rs 3,500 crore in 36 months. Total rail length to be 33.41 km and distance to be covered in 25 minutes. Ten trains at a frequency of 10 minutes initially. Project implementation expected to be complete within 3 years, 2 months.
B-TRAC
Traffic improvement project to cost Rs 350 crore over 5 years. To reduce traffic congestion by 30% in central area, reduce pollution. Effective trauma care to be set up, level of traffic and road safety awareness will be enhanced.

Grand plan to clear slums

Grand plan to clear slums
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Air, water and a roof over the head. Three things, apart from food, that are basic human necessities. That’s what schoolchildren are taught, but as they grow up, they find them missing in cities. A group of citizens, some cabinet ministers, representatives of civic bodies and NGOs participated in a group discussion on issues concerning water, housing and air in Bangalore.
Shobha Nambisan, principal secretary, housing department, elaborated on a project to build houses in place of slums. There are around 500 slums, of which the JN-NURM project will cover 46 in two phases. In the first phase, 11,603 houses will be built in 30 slums at a cost of Rs 252.18 crore and in the second, 3,151 houses will be built in 16 slums at a cost of Rs 124.27 crore. She said the project would only be the tip of the iceberg in rehabilitation of slum-dwellers.
Slum-dwellers have been known to dislike vertical construction of houses. There is also the problem of providing transit accommodation during the construction period and sustainability issues.
A presentation on the BWSSB revealed that while the demand was for 1,219 million litres per day (MLD), the supply was a mere 870 MLD, a shortfall of 41%, or 349 MLD. The shortage is expected to touch 48% by 2015. A solution to the problem is fraught with several issues, including that of limitations on surface water. The TG Halli and Hesarghatta lakes were last full only in 1998 and 1994, respectively. BWSSB chairperson Latha Krishna Rao elaborated on the Vrishabhavathi valley reuse scheme under which abstraction from the valley would be treated and delivered to TG Halli reservoir. The project will be completed by 2011 and is estimated to cost Rs 474 crore.
Vasanth Rao, deputy commissioner, resources, BBMP, who threw light on solid waste, announced that the new solid-waste management system would have GPRS facility to monitor garbage trucks. A private firm, Terra Firma, will take over garbage management.
Vrishabhavathi valley project by 2011 To have capacity of 135 MLD Part 2 of integrated water-management programme to include Nagawara, Kalkere, Bellandur, Kengeri, KR Puram lakes 1st charge in lake-water usage for BWSSB sought Legislation to regulate drawal of groundwater Ban on floating restaurants, speedboats sought to preserve lake water GPRS system to monitor garbage-collection trucks soon Legislation to recognize air as natural resource suggested

CM chants PPP mantra, to fast-track civic projects

CM chants PPP mantra, to fast-track civic projects
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: The PPP model, which proved to be a success in Bangalore some years ago, was mothballed by successive governments. But it got a fresh lease of life again.
On a cloudy Saturday morning at NIAS auditorium, chief minister B S Yeddyurappa’s vision at an interactive meeting was clear — you can no longer afford to leave everything to the government. The responsibility of building the city’s infrastructure and dreams of elevating the city to a worldclass destination cannot be fulfilled by the government alone. Private sector participation is also needed.
This was the new CM’s first faceto-face event with citizens at ongoing works and new projects were discussed at Agenda for Bengaluru Infrastructure Development 2008. In fact, this summit was the government’s heartening response to a recent campaign called Citizen Agenda of The Times of India. A host of projects were mooted by civic stakeholders, including traffic decongestion programmes, construction of elevated corridors, augmenting water supply and upgradation of electricity supply. Yeddyurappa assured accountability to the people.
To monitor projects promised in the meet, the CM announced setting up of a high-level committee comprising officials and experts who will take stock of the situation on a regular basis. Projects will be reviewed once in three months and a report card presented to the public once in four months. “Within a year, there will be visible progress in civic services and the infrastructure in Bangalore. I want to extend such review meets to other cities of the state,’’ Yeddyurappa said.
ROAD AHEAD
High-level panel to track infrastructure projects every quarter
A report card to be presented to the public once in four months.
C M ex - pects visible progress in a year Plans and promises CM Yeddyurappa’s Agenda for Bengaluru Infrastructure Development 2008 could be the beginning of change — a change that the state capital so desperately needs New TDR on anvil
Bangalore: After a lull, protests are gathering momentum over the acquisition of private properties under the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) scheme. The fresh row between residents and the BBMP started when the authorities started marking properties for acquisition to widen 45 roads.
Sensing a threat to the ambitious project, BBMP decided to modify the TDR scheme, which just gives additional FAR for land acquired. Now, authorities are mulling over the idea of giving a BDA site to land losers to be examined on a case-to-case basis.
“There is a lot of demand for TDR certificates by builders. I understand that someone residing in the house for a long time will naturally protest if a portion of the property is acquired. But this is necessary for the growth of Bangalore. We got very good response from people at Tannery Road who have given up their properties without any protests. However, TDR will be modified to create a win-win situation, for BBMP as well as property owners,’’ BBMP commissioner S Subramanya announced on Saturday at the review summit.
Further, commuters on inner ring road from Central Silk Board to Mysore road can have seamless travel as BBMP will provide signal-free access. For this, 17 grade separators will be built, of which work on four are in progress.
The high-speed rail link to BIA will be a reality, according to infrastructure development department MD V Madhu. The project, which will begin by mid-next year, will be completed in 2 years 9 months. About 231 trees will be cut all along the alignment, but many saplings will be planted to enhance the green cover. Each train will have six coaches and will run at a speed of 85-160 kms.
The Bangalore Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) has a host of schemes up its sleeves, according to Gaurav Gupta, who is in charge of it. The interesting ones are formalising car-pooling schemes and a study will be commissioned to ascertain what best works for the city. This apart, introduction of bicycle tracks at Jayanagar, Indiranagar, Rajajinagar, Basavanagudi, Koramangala, JP Nagar, etc. is planned.

CM chants PPP mantra, to fast-track civic projects

CM chants PPP mantra, to fast-track civic projects
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: The PPP model, which proved to be a success in Bangalore some years ago, was mothballed by successive governments. But it got a fresh lease of life again.
On a cloudy Saturday morning at NIAS auditorium, chief minister B S Yeddyurappa’s vision at an interactive meeting was clear — you can no longer afford to leave everything to the government. The responsibility of building the city’s infrastructure and dreams of elevating the city to a worldclass destination cannot be fulfilled by the government alone. Private sector participation is also needed.
This was the new CM’s first faceto-face event with citizens at ongoing works and new projects were discussed at Agenda for Bengaluru Infrastructure Development 2008. In fact, this summit was the government’s heartening response to a recent campaign called Citizen Agenda of The Times of India. A host of projects were mooted by civic stakeholders, including traffic decongestion programmes, construction of elevated corridors, augmenting water supply and upgradation of electricity supply. Yeddyurappa assured accountability to the people.
To monitor projects promised in the meet, the CM announced setting up of a high-level committee comprising officials and experts who will take stock of the situation on a regular basis. Projects will be reviewed once in three months and a report card presented to the public once in four months. “Within a year, there will be visible progress in civic services and the infrastructure in Bangalore. I want to extend such review meets to other cities of the state,’’ Yeddyurappa said.
ROAD AHEAD
High-level panel to track infrastructure projects every quarter
A report card to be presented to the public once in four months.
C M ex - pects visible progress in a year Plans and promises CM Yeddyurappa’s Agenda for Bengaluru Infrastructure Development 2008 could be the beginning of change — a change that the state capital so desperately needs New TDR on anvil
Bangalore: After a lull, protests are gathering momentum over the acquisition of private properties under the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) scheme. The fresh row between residents and the BBMP started when the authorities started marking properties for acquisition to widen 45 roads.
Sensing a threat to the ambitious project, BBMP decided to modify the TDR scheme, which just gives additional FAR for land acquired. Now, authorities are mulling over the idea of giving a BDA site to land losers to be examined on a case-to-case basis.
“There is a lot of demand for TDR certificates by builders. I understand that someone residing in the house for a long time will naturally protest if a portion of the property is acquired. But this is necessary for the growth of Bangalore. We got very good response from people at Tannery Road who have given up their properties without any protests. However, TDR will be modified to create a win-win situation, for BBMP as well as property owners,’’ BBMP commissioner S Subramanya announced on Saturday at the review summit.
Further, commuters on inner ring road from Central Silk Board to Mysore road can have seamless travel as BBMP will provide signal-free access. For this, 17 grade separators will be built, of which work on four are in progress.
The high-speed rail link to BIA will be a reality, according to infrastructure development department MD V Madhu. The project, which will begin by mid-next year, will be completed in 2 years 9 months. About 231 trees will be cut all along the alignment, but many saplings will be planted to enhance the green cover. Each train will have six coaches and will run at a speed of 85-160 kms.
The Bangalore Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) has a host of schemes up its sleeves, according to Gaurav Gupta, who is in charge of it. The interesting ones are formalising car-pooling schemes and a study will be commissioned to ascertain what best works for the city. This apart, introduction of bicycle tracks at Jayanagar, Indiranagar, Rajajinagar, Basavanagudi, Koramangala, JP Nagar, etc. is planned.

See changes in infrastructure of Bangalore in a year: Yeddyurappa

See changes in infrastructure of Bangalore in a year: Yeddyurappa

Special Correspondent

‘I have a dream to transform it into a city of global standards’

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

All smiles: (From left) Scientist K. Kasturirangan, Legislative Council Chairman B.K. Chandrashekar and Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa at the Agenda for Bengaluru Infrastructure Development summit in Bangalore on Saturday.

BANGALORE: Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa set the tone for the first summit on the Agenda for Bengaluru Infrastructure Development (ABIDe) on Saturday with a promise to bring about visible changes in the infrastructure of Bangalore within a year.

“You will definitely start seeing changes in the development of Bangalore, especially infrastructure, in a year,” the Chief Minister said at the concluding session of the summit in which various civic agencies listed their plans for the development of Bangalore and experts, residents’ associations and industry representatives expressed their views on infrastructure development issues.

“I have a dream to transform Bangalore into a city of global standards with world class infrastructure,” he said and reiterated the plans of his Government to take up massive infrastructure development in Bangalore at a cost of Rs. 25,000 crore. “There is no dearth of funds for the development of Bangalore and the Government has appealed to the Centre to provide special assistance in this regard,” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister noted that the main intention of the summit was to evolve a vision for the development of Bangalore as a city of global standards. It also aimed at forging a public-private partnership and bringing about coordination among various civic agencies and stakeholders for the development of Bangalore.

He said his Government would make efforts to get the services of the best talents in the private sector through ABIDe for the development of Bangalore.

Fifteen government agencies, including Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, Bangalore Development Authority, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company, Bangalore Traffic police and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, announced short-term and long-term proposals for the improvement of city’s infrastructure.

The views of experts, elected representatives, trade and industry leaders and NGOs were elicited on various aspects of infrastructure development. Such a summit was held in the State when S.M. Krishna was Chief Minister and the Bangalore Agenda Task Force was constituted to oversee the development of Bangalore. Taking an indirect dig at such efforts made by the Congress Government, Mr. Yeddyurappa said: “Unlike what had been done in the past, ABIDe will make concrete efforts for the development of the city.”

BBMP defends road-widening

BBMP defends road-widening

Staff Reporter

Petitioners have also opposed

tree-felling

91 roads had been notified for widening in 2005

BANGALORE: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Friday defended in the Karnataka High Court the road-widening project it had taken up in the city.

It said that though more than 90 roads were notified in 2005 for road-widening, some of them were dropped, while it was already completed on some roads.

The BBMP made this submission when the court was hearing a petition by Environmental Support Groupand CIVIC, Bangalore, challenging the road-widening project and also the felling of a large number of trees.

The petitioners said scores of trees were being felled under the pretext of road-widening.

They said the BBMP had notified 91 roads for widening in 2005, to be taken up in two phases.

The first phase involves Bellary Road, Palace Road, Seshadri Road, Vidhana Veedi, Nrupatunga Road, Mission Road, Devanga Hostel Road, Sankey Road, Jayamahal Road, Hosur Road, Hosur-Lasker Road, Victoria Road, Sarjapur Road, Lower Agaram Road, Dickenson Road, Old Madras Road, Kengeri Road, Mysore Road, Cottonpet Main Road, Avenue Road and K.G. Road.

The second involves 1st main Chamarajpet, 3rd Cross Bull Temple Road, Link Road, Tannery Road, 17th Main in J.C. Nagar, Kumaraswamy Layout Main Road, MTB Road and Uttarahalli Main Road.
‘Unscientific’

The petitioners said though they had given representation against the unscientific manner of road-widening and tree-felling, no action was taken.

If the guidelines of the national transportation policy were followed, it would obviate large-scale felling of trees, and suggested that the trees could be saved if the BBMP formed a median around them.

The BBMP said medians were feasible only if the trees were planted in a row.

In a majority of the roads, the trees were planted in a zigzag manner, entailing felling if the roads were to be widened.

The BBMP sought time to go through the averments in the petition and come out with its stand. A Division Bench, comprising Justice V. Gopala Gowda and Justice Ravi Malimath, adjourned further hearing in the case.

Daily water supply in city in four years: Katta

Daily water supply in city in four years: Katta

Staff Reporter

‘Inevitable for people to depend on borewells till then’

— A File Photo

a Few years to go: Such scenes of water shortage in Bangalore will be a thing of the past, according to authorities.

Bangalore: If you are dreaming of daily drinking water supply to your house in the near future, then here is some news for you.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), which is facing a shortfall of 349 million litres of water a day (MLD) to meet the drinking water requirements of the city, will take another four years to supply water daily to every household.

Katta Subramanya Naidu, Minister for Excise, BWSSB, IT, BT and Information, announced this at ABIDE (Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructure Development), an interactive workshop organised by the State Government, on Saturday.

The board would need 18 more months to provide water to all the newly added areas. “It is inevitable for the residents to depend on mini-water schemes and borewells till then. Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa recently sanctioned Rs. 100 crore for putting up more mini-water schemes and drilling borewells,” the Minister said.

The board would replace old and corroded pipelines at a cost of Rs. 170 crore in the next two years and put up dual pipelines in all new layouts, he said.
No lake privatisation

The Government had decided to stop privatisation of lakes in the city. “We will soon cancel the licences of those lakes that have already been handed over to private firms,” he said.

Responding to the citizens’ demand to continue Self Assessment Scheme (SAS) of property tax in the city, the Minister said the Chief Minister had set up an experts’ committee to decide on the best taxation model for the city. “We will soon call a separate meeting to discuss this,” he said.

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Shobha Karandlaje was present.

Divest BDA of urban planning, says Ravindra

Divest BDA of urban planning, says Ravindra

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) should be divested of its role in urban planning and made an infrastructure agency to focus on development, said the former Chief Secretary A. Ravindra here on Saturday.

Making a presentation on the summary recommendations of the “Expert Committee on Governance in Bangalore Metropolitan Region and Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike” headed by K. Kasturirangan, scientist, during the ‘Agenda for Bengaluru Infrastructure Development (ABIDe), Dr. Ravindra said: “The planning and regulatory functions should be divested and transferred to BBMP or Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA), while its jurisdiction should be enlarged to cover the entire Bangalore Metropolitan Region.”

The Dr. Kasturirangan committee has also suggested for creation of Metropolitan Planning Committee/Council (MPC) for the overall development of the Bangalore Metropolitan Region (BMR).

With the creation of MPC, he said that the local planning authorities, presently functioning, would not be needed. “The MPC with a strength of 63 members, including 21 of them nominated, would plan and coordinate development, besides preparing metropolitan development plan integrating spatial, economic and social planning,” he added.

He said that the MPC would also control the land use and land acquisition process in the BMR that were being coordinated by many agencies, including the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) and BDA.

Sindhia favours holding dialogue with BIAL

Sindhia favours holding dialogue with BIAL

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The former Minister P.G.R. Sindhia has requested the Union Minister for Civil Aviation Praful Patel to initiate a dialogue that could pave the way for reopening the HAL Airport in Bangalore.

In a letter to the Minister, Mr Sindhia said the Centre should have a dialogue with Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL), the Karnataka Government and other authorities. He said: “When the concessional agreement was entered into, it was not envisaged that the air traffic will increase to such an extent. Both the State and the Centre have spent for the upgrade of the HAL airport.”

For a world-class city!

For a world-class city!
Bangalore, dhns:
The State Government has brought out a Bangalore-specific policy and would strive to make it a world class city with world class infrastructure, said Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, while inaugurating the interactive workshop on Saturday. This was promised by the BJP in its election manifesto.


“The city has been growing manifold, with lack of proper infrastructure to meet the growing demands. There is a need to allocate Rs 50,000 crore to improve infrastructure, viz drinking water, improvement of roads not just in Bangalore, but throughout the state. From this, Bangalore alone will need Rs 20,000 crore. A dream to transform this city into a world class city is what I dream,” he said.

Mr Yeddyurappa then added that the government alone will not be able to fulfil the dream. “There is a vast pool of talent available outside the government. A public-private partnership model can provide a useful forum to make use of this talent,” the CM said.

City needs leadership

In his address Dr A Ravindra, former chief secretary, while touching upon the need to implement recommendations of the Dr K Kasturirangan Committee on Bangalore said, Bangalore lacks a leader, when it came to civic issues. “A directly elected mayor for a period of five years is needed. The mayor should have a fixed term. A restructuring of palnning is needed. The Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority should take over planning from the BDA, so that infrastructure pertaining to Greater Bangalore is also looked into,” he said.

Dr Ravindra added that the challenges ahead were aplenty in urban governance systems, that are governed by old legislations. “Eleven percent of FDI is generated from Bangalore. The City has been contributing immensely but suffers from improper planning. A professional approach to development should be adopted,” he noted.

Laying facts bare...

Laying facts bare...
Bangalore, dhns:
It was one of the rare chances that laymen were provided to interact with the decision makers in different government departments.


And the participants of the interactive workshop that aimed at shaping the City’s future ensured their voices were heard loud and clear. The sugestions were aplenty and touched different topics. So, were the assurances and plans spelt out by the government representatives.

Here are a few samplers. To handle the traffic congestion, a radical solution was offered by a participant Krishnamoorthy: Amend the Motor Vehicle Act so that licences are not provided to all new vehicles. “This is necessary to stop the addition of 1,000 new vehicles to the streets each day.” Srinivas from Jayangar called for a dust-free environment to be created in the City.

Another participant called for the installation of GPS in all garbage collecting vans so that their work could be monitored. He also appealed for asphalting of all roads in the City.

The need to provide proper sanitation was also raised by a participant while another demanded introducing automation of valves to release water so that the public were not at the mercy of the men employed to do the job. Members of the public urinating in public was also raised.

Govt departments response:

On automation of valves, BWSSB chairperson Latha Krishna Rao said, “It is an extemely expensive proposition and is not possible.” It can be tried out on a pilot basis, may be in a small area. “RCC slabs will be placed on valves,” she assured.

On steps to improve sanitation, she said that tendering for sanitary works in Yelahanka and Kengeri will begin within ten days. The process was initiated much earlier but the soaring prices of steel forced a rethink of the costs involved. The Rs 473-crore project `Unaccounted for water’ undertaken under the JNNURM scheme will redress water woes to some extent. Bulk meters were being installed at layout points, she added.

Principal Secretary, Housing Department, Sobha Nambisan said that preparations were underway for promulgation of a State Policy of Housing for the Urban Poor. “There exists so much competiton for urban land. Around 20 to 25% of land should be earmarked for economically weaker sections, 20 to 25% for lower income groups and 50% could be shared between the middle income group and higher income group.”

It must be made mandatory for private developers also to earmark some percentage of their constructions for the urban poor, she added.

BBMP Deputy Commissioner for Health Vasanth Rao assured the garbage collection will definitely be improved with GPS fitted onto vehicles. Numerous public toilets would also be constructed. “The issue of dogs is a sensitive one and a comprehensive effort is being undertaken in this connection and it will be on part with the rest of the world.”

Govt motto: ABIDE by experts views

Govt motto: ABIDE by experts views
DH News Service, Bangalore:
Over 400 experts from various fields, including several residents welfare associations and civic organisations, participated in the day-long interactive workshop Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructure Development (ABIDE) , organised by the State Government,


Roof for all, allocation of budget for the poor, completion of NICE project at the earliest, group houses, Metro and the Mono Rail. These were among the slew of suggestions that poured in during the day-long interactive workshop ‘Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructure Development (ABIDE)’ held at Bangalore’s Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc) on Saturday.

Over 400 experts from various fields, including several residents’ welfare associations and civic organisations, participated in the workshop, organised by the State Government.

The gist of the workshop came at the end of the day when senior bureaucrats and civic organisations summed up their suggestions to the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues.

NICE Project

“The government should categorise projects as short term, middle term and long term and take action accordingly,” said Mohandas Pai. He recommended the completion of NICE project in two-three months for the benefit of commuters. “Barely a stretch of 400-500 metres of the NICE corridor is incomplete. If the project is completed, it will be the biggest gift to the Bangaloreans,” said Pai.

He also requested the Chief Minister to take up the other five corridors including Bangalore-Mysore, Bellary and Nelamangala on a priority basis. He wanted the BJP government to declare the second phase of Metro Rail project to ease traffic congestion.

“Bangalore makes up to 60 per cent of the total GDP of Karnataka, so there is no shortage of funds for Bangalore. There is need for a committee under your leadership,” said Pai.

The Principal Secretary of Energy Department and former BBMP Commissioner K Jayaraj suggested that the Metro Rail should be extended from BIAL to Dairy Circle. He also sought development of the peripheral road, the road link between Whitefield to Hosur, making the peripheral road signal free and rationalisation of bus shelters.
He said HAL Airport should be retained it would reduce the burden on the newly built Bengaluru International Airport. He asked the Chief Minister to develop Mono Rail as a substitute to the Metro Rail. The senior bureaucrat named eight bottleneck areas of the city - Kalasipalya, City Market, Majestic, Madiwala, Dooravani Nagar, Yeshwanthpur, Marathahalli and Padmanabhanagar. Another suggestion was related to a peripheral truck road and Elevated North-South Corridors (ENSC).

On the City’s lakes, Jayaraj drew attention to the BDA’s demand for Rs 7,000 crores to develop and beautify the water bodies.

Rectify water leakage

Prof KV Raju, HoD, Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources, said there was a leakage of 40 percent of the potable water in Bangalore city.

This should be rectified and the lakes in Bangalore should be saved. He also sought good budgetary
allocation for the economically poor people.

“There is need for a proper solid waste management, improvement in air quality and checks and barriers for the industrial pollution. Besides, the BDA and KHB should allot flats instead of sites. The city should have proper footpaths and the dog menace should be addressed,” he suggested.

Dr A Ravindra in talk ‘Key Issues of Governance’ emphasised on the need for transparency, accountability, enforcement and the people’s participation.

“There should be linkage between the land use planning, socio-economic activities and budget. Preservation of heritage and cultural values are also equally important. Housing must be affordable to all, for which there is need for institutions which are based on a non-profit model. Instead of individual houses we should focus on Group Housing,” said Dr Ravindra. He suggested to give the City a directly elected Mayor versus Mayor-in-Council.

HC panel to keep tabs on tree felling

HC panel to keep tabs on tree felling
DH News Service, Bangalore:
The High Court on Saturday formed a committee to monitor the indiscriminate felling of trees and review the road widening programme in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits.



The Petitioners Environment Support Group (ESG), Leo Saldhana, Co-Ordinator, ESG and Civic Bangalore in their petition dated May 12, 2008 had stated that the 91 roads planned for widening in core Bangalore does not comply with the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act 1961 as well as the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, and had sought a stay of the project.

The petitioners in their submission said that during the change in land use, the public should be informed and involved in decision making by calling for an objection. It should be advertised in two leading newspapers and should begin acquisition and widening programme after the consultancy - the procedures not followed by BBMP.
The Court finding the necessity of the road widening had sought via media to resolve the matter. Counsel for BBMP Ashok Harnhalli, suggested the Bio diversity Committee headed by A N Yellappa Reddy to review the widening programme constantly.

The division bench comprising of Justice Gopalgowda and Justice Ravi Malimath to ensure proper monitoring sought three names from the either parties on Saturday to be included in the committee.

Members

The petitioners have suggested Dr Subbarayana Prasad, former professor and dean, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, Dr Shirdi Prasad Tekur, community health specialist and Dr Carol Upadhya, fellow, School of Social Sciences, Social Anthropology, National Institute of Advanced Studies as the members of review committee, while BBMP has suggested three names H Paramesh, Shekar Madhu and Sharma to work along with Yellappa Reddy.

The committee will visit the roads to be widened and review them including the tree felling from Monday.

BSY motto: People must set agenda

BSY motto: People must set agenda
DH News Service, Bangalore:
Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Saturday assured a gathering of over 400 experts from various fields and resident welfare associations at an interactive session on Bangalore infrastructure, that he will soon constitute a high power committee within a month to develop the City on par with international standards.


He made this announcement at the end of the day-long workshop on ‘Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructure Development (ABIDE)’. Infosys Board member T V Mohandas Pai had earlier advocated the need for such a panel.
Among the slew of other suggestions that poured in during the workshop were a roof for all, budgetary allocation for the poor, completion of NICE project at the earliest, group houses, Metro and Mono Rail.

The chief minister said the suggestions were precious. “We are committed to the development of the State and we will not go unilaterally. We are going to constitute a high-power committee within 30 days. This committee will accept all the suggestions and implement the required infrastructural needs,” he said.

“Every month the committee will not only discuss the new projects or requirements for Bangalore but also review those projects which are under progress. The committee will submit the report to the government. This way, we will be able to see the progress of our projects,” said Yeddyurappa.

He also assured that such interactive discussions between the government and people will take place every year in Bangalore.

Besides Bangalore, such interactive discussions will soon take place in seven other major cities of the State including Hubli-Dharwad, Gulbarga, and Mysore.

Dream for State

“Our dream is for the overall growth of the State, not Bangalore or the other cities alone. We need public participation and people’s support. A difference will be visible within a year,” the chief minister declared. He urged the people to send in their suggestions, either personally or in writing to him.

He reminded the people that there is no dearth of funds in the State. “Funds are not a problem. We have enough but what we lacked was a political will. Now we want to tell that we have a strong political will to change the scene,” Yeddyurappa said.

* High-powered committee for Bangalore, to review old and new projects every month and brief the chief minister.
* BMP, BMTC, BWSSB, BESCOM, KHB, KSPCB, BMRCL make presentations.
* On street and off street parking on PPP model. Ten large areas identified within core area and proposals received under Swiss Challenge method.
* Sanction accorded for high- speed rail link to Bengaluru International Airport; Special Purpose Vehicle formed for the project.

Volvo fleet to grow to 310

Volvo fleet to grow to 310
BENGALURU


Article Rank





[Click To Enlarge]
The BMTC Man aging director Mr Syed Zameer Pasha said that the fleet of Volvo (Vajra) buses will be increased to 310 buses at a cost of Rs 143 crores.

To ease traffic congestion and to help bus commuters, the BMTC has planned eight Traffic and Transit Management Centres (TTMC) at a cost of Rs 412.36 crore.

The TTMCs have been planned at Kengeri, Shantinagar, Koramangala, Vijayanagar, Banashankari, ITPL, Yeshwanthpur and Jayanagar.

The TTMC at Jayanagar would be completed shortly.

The project has been funded by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

A Passengers Information System (PIS) has been implemented in Volvo buses operating between Bengaluru and BIA.

Speaking on behalf of the city traffic police wing, Additional Traffic Commissioner (Traffic). Pravin Sood said traffic congestion has been a major issue in Bengaluru which has spared none. He said the Bengaluru Traffic Improvement Project - B-TRAC 2010 which will be implemented over five years, will cost about Rs 350 crores.

Around 800 junctions have been identified for widening, Mr Sood said. It will be developed in a bell shape for smooth flow of vehicles at junctions.

Initially, a junction at Nanjappa circle, Shantinagar has been taken up in coordination with a Non Government Organisation (NGO) and members of the Resident Welfare Association. Later, a circle at D’souza Circle will be developed.

Around 50 junctions will be developed during the current financial year, Mr Sood said.

To instill traffic sense in the minds of the public and to collect statistics on vehicles, 40 surveillance cameras have been installed at various junctions. “This helps us study the behaviour of the public while riding. A total of 80 cameras will be implemented by July end,” Mr Sood said Commissioner of the Bangalore Metropolitan Land Transport Authority.

Gourav Gupta said that the authority is formalizing a car pooling scheme in four weeks at an estimated cost of Rs 3 lakh to encourage sharing of cars and avoid fuel costs and traffic congestion.

The introduction of bicycle tracks in the city aims at increasing non-motorised transport. The suggested locations for introducing these bicycle tracks are — Jayanagar, Indiranagar, Rajajinagar, Basavanagudi, Koramangala, Sadashivanagar, JP Nagar, HSR layout and Whitefield.

Bengaluru bill Rs 12,300 crores

Bengaluru bill Rs 12,300 crores
BENGALURU


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Former chief sec retary A. Ravindra says there is a severe dearth of funds for the comprehensive development of infrastructure in Bangalore Metropolitan Areas including Bangalore Urban, Rural and Ramanagaram districts. He is a member of the expert committee on governance of Greater Bengaluru.

Speaking at Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructure Development (ABIDE), an interactive workshop organised at IISc by the urban development department, Mr Ravindra said the fund shortage is as high as 12,300 crore. This can be solved only by mobilizing revenue through proper planning and reforms in administration.

The state government’s failure to form a Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC) has lead to a breach of the 74th amendment to the Constitution, Mr Ravindra said. The expert committee had recommended the formation of a Bengaluru Metropolitan Authority by bringing various civic agencies — BBMP, BDA, BWSSB, BMRDA, BMLTA under a single umbrella in its report for proper co-ordination among them.

Bengaluru is facing critical challenges including providing basic services to the urban poor, water supply, sanitation, traffic management and adequate transportation. A budget should be prepared for the Metropolitan Region, Mr Ravindra said.

“To provide for better representation of the public, the MPC should have 63 members of whom 42 should be elected and 21 nominated. Of the 42 elected members, 31 should be from urban local bodies and 11 from rural urban local bodies,” he said.

“The committee has recommended that the Chief Minister be the chairman of the MPC to ensure better co-ordination between MPC and the state and the mayor the deputy chairman,” Mr Ravindra said.

The jurisdiction of BDA should be increased to cover Bangalore Metropolitan Region and BDA should be made a development authority instead of a planning authority. The BDA could be involved in building flyovers and grade separators.

The BMRDA should be made into the planning authority, he suggested.

City corridors for easy ride

City corridors for easy ride
The BBMP is planning road-over-road concept making provision for both vehicles and the Metro rail. The project will cost Rs 2,900 crores.
BENGALURU


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Civic stake holders made a colourful presentation on how the crumbling civic would be countered, which has posed a severe challenge to them.

Some of the major civic agencies including BBMP, BDA, BMRCL, High speed rail, Bescom made presentation to keep Bangaloreans woes at bay. Earlier, public including a few MLAs were given chance to air their grievances.

Transport minister Mr R.

Ashok acted as moderator.

BBMP commissioner Mr S.

Subramanya, said in a bid to provide better connectivity to Bengaluru International Airport (BIA), a North – South corridor stretching 28 kms has been planned. The corridor has been planned to provide signal free ride to BIA and it has been planned in two phases. An elevated corridor from Minsk Square to Madivala via Vellara junction stretching 16 kms has also been planned.

Another corridor connecting eastern parts of Bengaluru from Vellara Junction to Kundalahalli via Kodihalli off Airport Road stretching 12 kms has been planned by the BBMP. It also links the proposed expressway. Since the corridor traverses through Sankey Road and Bellary Road, the congestion on the road linking BIA comes down. BBMP has to acquire land only at Vellara Junction, he said.

The study of feasibility of the project has been entrusted to the IDEB. The project would be executed under Swiss challenge method.

After finalizing technical parameters the BBMP would finalize it and invite tenders.

BBMP has been contemplating on road-over-road concept making provision for both vehicles and Metro Rail. The project is estimated to cost Rs 2,900 crores.

In a bid to improve the aesthetics of Bengaluru and underground table, 17 lakes in and around Bengaluru would be rejuvenated at a whopping cost of Rs 189 crore. An elevated road on Mysore Road from Sirsi Circle to Kengari has been planned at a cost of Rs 800 crore stretching 10.2 kms. It connects Bangalore and Mysore. The stretch is a regular sign of traffic jams.

To find a solution to space crunch in Bengaluru for parking, the BBMP has planned for 10 automated parking complexes, of which five would be commercial cum parking complexes.

The proposed places where the complexes would come up are — Gandhinagar, Old city central jail, Gandhi Bazar Flower market, SP cross road, Russell Market, at Kengeri, Yela hanka, near RTO office at Yelahanka, opposite football stadium at Richmond road and at Dr Ambedkar College. The project would be executed under Swiss challenge method, Mr Yeddyurappa said that the BBMP has also proposed for on street and off street parking policy in association with private participation.

The BDA commissioner Siddaiah said the first phase of the Peripheral Ring Road costing around Rs 3,000 crores has been planned including land acquisition cost.

The PRR will be made signal free by constructing flyovers and grade separators across the stretch.

More projects in the pipeline

More projects in the pipeline
BENGALURU


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: The BWSSB is taking up various projects to meet water supply and sanitation needs in the city including that of the Integrated Water Management of Vrishibhavathi Valley Scheme (Project—1), Rehabilitation of 180 MLD sewage plant with tertiary treatment plant at V Valley STP (Project—1), management of lake water (Project—2), integrated water management of Koramangala and Chellaghatta Valley Scheme (Project-3), and rehabilitation of sewer lines in core city.

Integrated Water Management of Vrishibhavathi Valley Scheme ? Focus — Water supply ? Cost — Rs 474 crore ? Duration — 33 months ? Starting date — February 2009 ? Problem — Convincing public to accept recycled water Rehabilitation of 180 MLD Sewage Plant with Tertiary Treatment Plant at V Valley STP ? Focus — Water supply ? Cost — Rs 316 crore ? Duration — 33 months ? Starting date — February 2009 ? Problem — Convincing people to use treated waste water Management of Lake Water (Project-2) ? Focus — Water supply ? Cost — Rs 800/525 crore ? Duration — 24 months ? Starting date — January 2009 ? Problem — Formation of special purpose vehicle for early implementation of work Intergrated Water Management of Koramangala and Chellaghatta Valley Scheme ? Focus — Water supply ? Cost — Rs 1,025 crore ? Duration — 30 months ? Starting date — June 2009 ? Problem — Approval of funding required Rehabilitation of Sewer lines in core city ? Focus — Sewage system ? Cost — Rs 260 crore ? Duration — 36 months ? Problem — Shifting sewer lines from storm water drains.

Pipe dream: More water for city

Pipe dream: More water for city
BENGALURU


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: The state govern ment is seriously contemplating introduction of dual pipeline system in the city, said Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Benguluru district in-charge minister Katta Subramanya Naidu.

Mr Naidu who was taking note of problems, recommendations and solutions aired by citizens, NGOs and other organisations on civic issues in the city, said that the government would make it mandatory in all the new areas from this year onwards only. “While one pipeline will supply drinking water, the second pipeline will supply water for secondary and tertiary purposes, as is done in western countries.” The minister also said that sanitation works will start in the new areas, while works on changing old sanitary lines in core Bengaluru will be completed simultaneously in one and a half year's time.

“There is no dearth of funds. The Chief Minister has already released Rs 100 crore for supply of water to the erstwhile CMCs and TMC as part of the mini water scheme. The whole of Bengaluru will receive water every day by the year 2011,” he added.

He said that lake conservation was the main priority, as water from these lakes would be recycled to meet the demand. He also said that the government would soon fix taxes to assist BBMP carry out its developmental works.

Issues related to water, urban poor, housing and solid waste management were deliberated during this session with representatives of agencies concerned highlighting the works taken up and the way forward.

Latha Krishna Rao, chairperson BWSSB said that the city was facing a water shortage of 41 per cent. She said that by year 2015 the total demand would be 2172 million litres per day (MLD), while the supply would be 1,470 MLD. “To meet the shortfall of 702 MLD the alternatives are to adopt rain water harvesting, reducing unaccounted for water and integrated water management.” Ms Rao also said that in future BWSSB was planning to tap water from lakes.

Shortly, water will be drawn from five lakes in the city.

About 50 MLD water from Nagavara lake, 20 MLD from Kalkere, 30 MLD from Kengeri, 150 MLD from Bellandur and 20 MLD of water from KR Puram lake will be recycled and supplied to meet water shortage.

Shobha Nambisan, principal secretary, housing, said that very soon the Karnataka Slum Clearance Board would initiate an integrated housing project for slum dwellers under JNNURM.

“Here housing and infrastructure will be provided for simultaneously,” she said. In the first phase 30 slums with 17,603 houses will be taken up on August 1 this year at a cost of Rs 252.18 crore. While 16 slums with 3,151 houses will be taken up on August 1, at a cost of Rs 124 crore.

Both projects would be completed in 18 months.

She said that slum dwellers disliked vertical construction of houses and that the Board had convinced 46 slum dwellers of building ground plus three floors.

She also said that the Board would train the residents in construction work and masonry. This will not only reduce costs, it will also give the slum dwellers employment opportunities.

She also said that the state government was mulling on forming a policy for urban poor on the lines of the rural housing policy. Ms Nambisan said that the Board would direct all urban agencies concerned to earmark 25 per cent of funds for EWS and 25 per cent for lower income groups.

BBMP DC (resources) U.A. Vasanth Rao said that the Palike would shortly present a comprehensive policy to tackle the stray dog population in the city, which was at the moment waiting for clearance.

Most slum dwellers do not even have toi lets and bathrooms.

They urinate and bathe in nearby parks, while the women cook meals outside their homes.

It is amazing that people can live with so little.

SHOBHA NAMBISAN Principal secretary, housing From Monday, solid waste dumping vehicles fitted with GPS will carry garbage from Bengaluru and dump it in Doddaballapur.

Efforts are also being made to ensure that the garbage contractors are paying the right share to BBMP.

VASANTH RAO BBMP, DC (Resources) The funds required to introduce rain water harvesting was Rs 250 crore. The BBMP was spending Rs 600 crore to remove the rain water that was clogging the drains HUCHAPPA Ex-mayor, Bengaluru The value of my house may be Rs 1 crore. But it has nil value as I am not sell ing it. But taxing me assuming that I am making money by selling the house is unfair G.K. RAO Senior citizen on CVS One of the top five management gurus Kenichi Ohmae said “Bengaluru has more IQ based mathemat ics competent people in absolute numbers than anywhere else on earth.” This simply means that Bengaluru has the most intelli gent people.

They just need to come together A RAVINDRA former chief secretary The dependence on public transport is about 39 per cent now. It has to increase to 92 per cent by 2015.

Or, the roads would be clogged with pri vate vehicles YASH SACHDEVA, Traffic expert About 75 per cent of corporate tax, 80 per cent of sales tax and 90 per cent of luxury tax are coming from Bengaluru alone. But to develop its infrastructure, there is a shortage of Rs 12,300 crore From the proceedings of ABIDE The dependence on public transport is about 39 per cent now. It has to incre ase to 92 per cent by 2015. Or, the roads would be clogged with private vehicles From the proceedings of ABIDE

Abide with me: BSY

Abide with me: BSY
‘ I have a dream to transform Bengaluru into a world class city with world class infrastructure. ‘ I abide by Abide B.S. Yeddyurappa
BENGALURU




Quoting histori ans, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S.

Yeddyurappa said on Saturday that Bengaluru was modelled after Bidar and Hampi in its architectural splendour and town design format.

“I have a dream for Bengaluru city. A dream to transform it into a world class city with world class infrastructure,” he told an audience that had come to inform and educate the new legislators of the monumen tal task ahead. “Don’t take this for a beginner’s bravado,” he added.

Thanking Agenda for Bengaluru Infrastructure De velopment (Abide) for providing an opportunity for interaction, the Chief Minister said: “I abide by Abide.” But, after day-long deliberations of the at the National Institute of Advanced Studies campus of the Indian Institute of Science, it appeared as if the problems the city is facing have multiplied in the seven month absence of popular governance.

At the end of the session, Mr Yeddyurappa did what a politician does when faced with a barrage of problems and solutions. He announced a committee to oversee the progress made by the earlier committee on implementation of its recommendations.

Twenty-eight days after it came to power, the BJP began its first attempt at earning the sobriquet of “party with a difference, government with a difference”.

Almost half of the Cabinet were present to hear NGOs and other organisations give a Powerpoint presentation, with facts and figures at their finger tips.

Sadly, while the facts remain the same, so did the presentation which remained the same as the ones earlier made to previous governments.

Former BDA advisor suggests grade metro

Former BDA advisor suggests grade metro
Saturday June 28 2008 09:49 IST

Monica Jha

BANGALORE: The Rs 3000-crore Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project to decongest the traffic on the roads of the city could go a long way in providing an effective solution if it further makes provision for a metro rail on the median.

“PRR- The City Road for Future” needs some modifications to be futuristic. As the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) prepares to go ahead with the much-awaited PRR plans, discussions on the vision and future of the road are in full swing.

If the width of the proposed PRR is increased from 100 metre to 117 metre and its median from 12 metre to 20 metre, the road could accommodate a surface level metro rail in future, suggests former technical advisor to Bangalore Development Authority, G Ashwatha Narayana.

He has a detailed plan for a 117-metre wide PRR with a median of 20 metre width and 9 metre wide service roads on either sides of the ring road. The median has a provision for two parallel railway lines of 3 metre each, which can accommodate standard or broad gauge.

A platform of 12 metre width can be accommodated in between the two railway lines. A surface level metro is a much cheaper option than an underground or an elevated rail. The cost of underground rail is 25 times the cost of a rail at grade while the cost of elevated rail is five times more.

The huge cost of Namma Metro project (Rs 6,395 crore) can be attributed to the fact that over 95 per cent of the track is either under ground or elevated. Only 0.65 km out of the 41 km line will be at grade.

The proposal for PRR has a provision for 12 metre wide central median, which can be utilised later to build an elevated metro or monorail once 8 metre of the median is utilised for two 4 metre wide storm water drains.

"PRR being circular will provide a low curvature and an average slope of 1 in 720. This will facilitate maximum speed of 100 km per hour," Ashwatha Narayana told this website's newspaper.

At all interchanges and subways foot over bridges can be built to reach service roads. The cost of acquiring extra land (17 metre X 116 km= 19.72 lakh sq m) in the periphery of the city in the current year would be very less as compared to the cost of building an elevated metro rail in future, he emphasised.

Cross if dare

Cross if dare
No thought has been given to pedestrians on some of the busy thoroughfares in this part of town
CHOKKAPAN S, Downtown


The Central business area is not for you if you choose to be on your feet. Especially when you’re left stranded in the middle of any of the busy roads like Richmond Road, Cunningham Road, St Mark’s Road and Residency Road, struggling for a gap to cross.
“It’s an impossible task, not only during peak hours, but all the time. And it’s really sad to see old people coming out of the SBI office having to stand and wait for so long just to cross,” says Pathan about the crowded St Mark’s Road junction.
The entire stretch from St Joseph’s College to the SBI office doesn’t have a single pedestrian crossing. And it’s even worse near the SBI junction, where vehicles take both left and right turns — towards Residency Road and MG Road. With several offices located on the road, office-goers are the worst affected lot. “A signal at the junction or a foot overbridge across the road can solve pedestrian woes,” suggests Chandrashekar S, who works in an office situated on St Mark’s Road.
A chaotic situation prevails on Cunningham Road too. Though the road was recently relaid, there are no lane or pedestrian markings from Queen’s Road junction to the Vasanth Nagar junction. “Pedestrians are always stranded near the bus stop opposite Sigma Mall. This spot calls for a pedestrian crossing,” observes Akarsh Sooda. Since the road is a one-way, most of the left side is allocated for parking. Many feel the pavement on the right side should be maintained well to help shoppers and other walkers move freely along the stretch.
While there is a skywalk on Residency Road right next to the bus stop, the stretch leading to the Cash Pharmacy junction also needs one. More so because it’s a school zone. “If the elevation of the skywalk is reduced a bit, more people will start using it as it is very tough for elderly people to climb the stairs,” says Divya Srinivas.
The recent traffic diversions on the Brigade Road stretch from the Residency Road junction to Shoolay Circle have clearly eased the traffic. But the plight of pedestrians hasn’t changed. “It’s very difficult to cross near Shoolay Circle as vehicles from Ashok Nagar also take a right turn here. A crossing near the circle would help pedestrians,” feels Priyank Sharma.
Among all the other roads, Richmond Road is the most pedestrian-unfriendly with no crossings or skywalks from Vellara Junction to Richmond Circle. While the pavements are too narrow and poorly maintained, vehicles are also parked near commercial establishments, causing an inconvenience to pedestrians. “There is a need for a skywalk near Baldwin’s High School as little schoolchildren suffer a lot. The traffic is chaotic near the flyover as vehicle users decide too late on which road to take,” says Mary J of Richmond Town. Another resident, Mohammed Fazal, feels that there should at least be two crossings on this stretch.
It’s good to see many roads being asphalted in this business area. But it would be great if pedestrian amenities are also included in the agenda.

Cunningham Road and (below) Richmond Road

Towards a better Bangalore

Towards a better Bangalore
Stakeholders To Come Together, Draw Vision Document Today
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Today will be Bangalore’s first date with chief minister B S Yeddyurappa. Coming face-to-face with the citizenry to discuss problems and ring in some workable solutions, the Bangalore infrastructure development review summit, to be chaired by the CM, will see a host of urban planners, traffic experts, NGOs, resident welfare groups, industry and trade bodies coming together to draw a vision document.
The day-long summit at JRD Tata auditorium at IISc will hopefully not be another political event with ministers making oft-repeated promises. It will have multi-media presentations by experts, group discussions and finally, the unveiling of the blueprint for Bangalore’s development. The review summit is a result of the 16-part series report carried out by The Times of India on various issues bogging the city down — ranging from bad roads, irregular water supply, clogged drains, chaotic traffic, land encroachment, rising pollution. Taking note of the series, the CM convened the summit where the 13 civic stakeholders will list out their short and long-term projects.
The city was witness to such a summit during the time of S M Krishna’s tenure as CM when the Bangalore Agenda Task Force held quarterly reviews.
The issues that will be discussed at the event are civic administration, comprehensive traffic and transportation initiatives, municipal services, infrastructure, etc. K Kasturirangan, RITES and Janaagraha’s Ramesh Ramanathan will make presentations.
PARTICIPANTS
BDA BBMP BWSSB BMTC Bescom Karnataka Housing Board Karnataka State Pollution Control Board BMRCL KSIIDC Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority Public Works Department Department of Urban Land Transport Forest Department

No more ads as you zoom to BIA

No more ads as you zoom to BIA
BY CHANDRASHEKAR G.
BENGALURU


Your journey to Bengaluru International Airport from the Hebbal flyover will be free from huge advertising billboards that distract the driver.

To ensure safety for road users and maintain the aesthetics of Bengaluru, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has decided to make the entire stretch — from Hebbal flyover to the BIA a hoarding free zone.

The move is also aimed at complying with the rules of the National Highway Authority of India Act.

Concerned about the safety of travellers on this stretch, authorities of NHAI have directed the BBMP to maintain some stretch of roads falling under the BBMP jurisdiction free of displays and hoardings.

According to a letter to the BBMP, a copy of which was made available to this newspaper, the National Highways Authority of India has said, “Though technically, some stretches of road fall under the BBMP’s jurisdiction, it actually comes under the administrative jurisdiction of NHAI. Hence, to make the journey safe for road users, hoardings have been banned on the stretch.” “Since the road leading to BIA has been widened and upgraded to provide for smooth ride, vehicles are cruising at a high speed.

To curb accidents, we have decided to implement the directions of NHAI seriously. Our duty is to ensure that walls are defaced and there is no indiscriminate display of advertisements,” BBMP sources said.

At present, some of the hoarding free zones are at Vidhana Soudha and surrounding areas.

“No fresh permissions will be given. However, only those hoardings, which have sought permission are be allowed until the expiry of the contract period,” sources added.

“We have to comply with the NHAI regulations and to make the journey safe for travelers. BBMP is ready to lose advertisement revenue of Rs five crore by making the stretch hoarding-free at the cost of safety of public,” said a senior BBMP official.

Initially, the BBMP touted BIA stretch as money spinner in the form of advertisements.

However, BBMP has been authorised to permit advertisements until Hebbal flyover and at magic box (using pre-cast elements) underpass.

BIAL to raise $200 m, eyes valuation of $2-2.5 billion

BIAL to raise $200 m, eyes valuation of $2-2.5 billion
Boby Kurian, Rajesh Unnikrishnan & Peerzada Abrar BANGALORE/MUMBAI


THE operator of the newly-opened Bengaluru International Airport is seeking a valuation of up to $2.5 billion to raise about $200 million in equity to fund the second phase of the airport’s development.
The valuation of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), which sources put at as high as Rs 10,000 crore, or about $2.3 billion, could make it among the most valuable privately-owned domestic aviation assets. This would better the three-month-old Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, majority owned by GMR Group, which is estimated to be valued at $1-1.5 billion.
BIAL—40% owned by Siemens with L&T, Unique Zurich, Airports Authority of India and KSIIDC, a Karnataka government agency, holding the rest—is exploring the option of a private placement, among others, to raise part of the equity for the proposed Rs 2,500-crore expansion. It is believed that the company is exploring various possibilities and no investment bank is involved in the process.
A source said the company was seeking valuation in the range of $2-2.5 billion, leading to a possibility of 8-10% equity placement for raising over $200 million. While BIAL CEO Albert Brunner said the information on fundraising through private placement was not true, one of the investors confirmed to ET that all options are being explored.
Sources said private placement was being mulled as the company needs to shore up its equity base to go forward with fresh investments. BIAL’s current investment of Rs 2,470 crore has been funded 65% by debt, 16% by equity, 14% by support from the Karnataka government, while internal accruals and security deposits made up the rest.
The airport, which began operations just over a month ago, is expected to handle some 12 million passengers in the current year. With Bangalore’s air passenger traffic consistently beating forecasts, BIAL is planning for a second runway, entailing investments in the next 3-4 years. BIAL originally envisaged the equity component making up about 23% of the overall project cost, which was revised upwards twice from Rs 1,412 crore.
Sources said that if the government partners drag their feet on infusing fresh equity, the private promoters may have to look at the option of diluting a part of their shareholding at a significantly high valuation.
The state government is currently lobbying to reopen the old HAL airport, which was closed down in line with the concession agreement with BIAL. “With infrastructure valuation holding firm in the midst of a market meltdown, some investors may be open to the idea of cashing in a part of their equity,” a source said.
However, it is believed that the shareholder agreement has some binding clauses on the quantum of stake dilution by the promoters and for the protection of the government shareholding for a minimum period. The exact contours of the pact could not be independently ascertained.