Infrastructure bottlenecks a big challenge in 2009

Infrastructure bottlenecks a big challenge in 2009


Prof MN Sreehari
First Published : 05 Jan 2009 08:23:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 06 Jan 2009 03:23:27 PM IST

BANGALORE: Focus on connectivity to Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) from the city

* Underpasses planned on the road to the airport Magic box method is used. Stretch till Vidhana Soudha has already been developed. Pedestrian subways are being constructed due to several accidents on the NH-7. Subway from Mekhri Circle to Hebbal is expected to be ready by January 2009.

* High Speed Rail Link to BIA Plans for HSRL to BIA have already been approved. Rail line to be constructed on the extreme right on the existing road to the airport (so that no interchange is required near the airport as the airport comes on the right.) The estimated cost of the project is Rs 125 crore per km and the line will be 30 km. The estimated time for construction is two years.

The implementing agency for the project has not yet been finalised.

The project would be given to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) or a private party.

* Elevated road via Hennur Land acquisition is to be checked.

The 17 to 20 km road will be an elevated road which might be tolled. It will provide a ring road to BIA via Hennur. The proposal has not received the final approval but is likely to be approved. It would provide easier access to BIA from South, East and South East Bangalore.

* Mono Rail to BIA A mono rail link to the BIA is in the proposal stage. The line will be on small beams and small columns.

The air conditioned trains can carry around 150 passengers per trip at a speed of 75 kmph.

CITY

* Absence of mass transport system The city has 36 lakh vehicles. With 12 per cent annual growth in the number of vehicles, the highest in the world, Bangalore roads are burdened with 1,250 additional vehicles every day.

* Metro rail Construction of metro rail is a big achievement in providing multimodal transport in the city. However, the work is going slow due to contractor’s inefficiency. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited has incurred Rs 1,000 crore losses due to delay in work.

* Traffic Transit Management Centres (TTMC) by BMTC BMTC has identified 45 spots (all existing bus depots) for TTMCs.

Work on nine TTMCs has started in 2008. Jayanagar TTMC to be ready by January 2009.

* Parking Policy by BBMP A draft has been prepared. Draft has come to ABIDe.