BTC set to gallop away

BTC set to gallop away
BY CHANDRASHEKAR G. and BADRAM SURYA PRAKASH
BENGALURU







Article Rank










[Click To Enlarge]

The Bengaluru Turf Club is likely to move to a 100-acre land at Jakkur considering its proximity to the international airport
The Bengaluru Turf Club (BTC), which has been left with no option but to move from the heart of the city, has identified two locations of nearly 100 acres each at Jakkur and Chikkajala for the new race course.

BTC’s lease of its present grounds expires in December 2009. The club has been trying to find suitable land for its relocation with the help of the government. It has inspected several properties to check their suitability and for facilities like water supply, according to BTC sources.

The club appears to be inclined to move to Jakkur considering its proximity to the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA). A joint inspection was conducted last Monday of land in this area by BTC authorities and the Bengaluru urban administration.

Earlier land was identified at Nandagudi, about 50 kms away from Bengaluru, but the BTC was unhappy with it due to the lack of water, transportation, veterinary hospital and other basic facilities in its vicinity.

The location was also seen as too far way to be a crowd puller, sources said. Buying land could prove expensive for the BTC due to the soaring prices.

It will also have to make a huge investment at the new location to build an ultra modern turf club with a 1,000 stables, a training track, a running track and quarters.

It is thought the investment could run into Rs 250 crore. But it can afford it as currently around 100 betting centres operating across the city bring considerable revenue to the BTC, which has an annual turnover of Rs 1,000 crore.

Deputy Commissioner (Bengaluru urban) G.N. Nayak said the district urban administration and the BTC management had inspected 93 acres at Jakkur and a report would be sent to the government on it for its consideration.