Sights, sounds and smells from Bangalore

The root causes of traffic snarls on Old Madras Road

2009-11-23T05:30:00.000+05:30

The root causes of traffic snarls on Old Madras Road are cable-stayed bridge over KR Puram railway station and railway bridge at Benniganahalli

You may experience one of these two things if just drive for a kilometer from Benniganahalli to KR Puram railway station on Old Madras Road: You may either faint looking at the sea of vehicles ahead of you or develop serious symptoms of road rage! Blame it on faulty engineering design of the road or the laid-back attitude of officials in finding early solutions to past mistakes, the Benningahalli-Tin Factory-KR Puram railway station stretch has turned out to be a daily nightmare for motorists. A majority of those who use this road are techies travelling from North Bangalore to the tech-corridors in Whitefield and Electronics City. This is also the stretch where the Outer Ring Road criss-crosses with National Highway4.
But the bane here is two bridges: The cable-stayed bridge over KR Puram railway station and the railway bridge at Benniganahalli. Both the bridges have turned out to be ‘chicken-necks’. The Bennginahalli bridge reduces an eight-lane road to two-lanes: resulting in jamming vehicles coming from Tirupati-Chennai side into the city as well as the outbound vehicles. Though roadusers have complained to the authorities countless times about the bottleneck, widening of the bridge is a dream yet to come true. During peak hours, vehicles are seen stranded for over a kilometer on either side of this bridge.
The other nightmare is the pancreatic bulge at the KR Puram railway station, below the cable-stayed bridge. Vehicles going towards Information Technology Park-Bangalore (ITPB) and Marathalli-Hosur Road pass through the opening below the bridge. A traffic jam here starts at around 6:30 am when most of the trains arrive at the station. Swati Narayan, a call-centre employee, said, While autorickshaws and taxies are parked haphazardly on the road, BMTC buses join the competition of wooing train passengers. The resultant effect is a snarl. What annoys everyone is when the trucks pile-up behind these vehicles and start honking incessantly. It is irritation to the core.
The nuisance reaches a crescendo between 8 am and 11 am, when everyone gets on to the road. A bus stop near the railway station also slows down the traffic. It takes 25-30 minutes for a motorist to travel from Tin Factory to KR Puram railway station in the mornings. The same mayhem prevails in the evening too. While motorists curse the traffic cops for the mess, the latter point towards faulty design of the bridge and claim helplessness. The bridge was constructed to ease traffic on the national highway. Nobody had thought that Whitefield will turn out to be the tech-corridor at that point of time, a cop explained.
The traffic blocks caused by both the bridges have a cascading effect on the pedestrians at the Tin Factory junction, the mid-point between the two bridges. With traffic density being 12,000 passenger car units (PCUs) on the road, Tin Factory junction has turned out to be a death-trap for pedestrians. On an average, about 90 fatal accidents and 600 non-fatal accidents used to be reported in KR Puram traffic jurisdiction. But some pro-active measures taken by the traffic police in the recent times have come as a breather for motorists.
K R Puram police inspector (traffic) B K Umesh has succeeded in streamlining traffic to some extent by deploying a whopping eight cops at Tin Factory junction during peak hours. Though pedestrian signals were installed recently, they keep conking out because of technical errors.

Now, read your bus’s mind!

2009-11-23T05:24:00.000+05:30

Now, read your bus’s mind!
The BMTC is all set to introduce the Passenger Information System in bus stops
SUCHITH KIDIYOOR

Waiting without a clue for that Volvo bus to arrive at your bus-stop? Well, here’s some good news! The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is all set to flag off the Passenger Information System (PIS) in its bus stops!
To start with, the PIS will be installed in 20 major bus shelters on the Bangalore International Airport (BIA) routes. With this, passengers will be able to get real-time information on Volvo bus arrivals. The PIS panels fitted in these bus-shelters will display information pertaining to route numbers, destinations, type of bus service, expected time of arrival of buses, vehicle numbers and other details. The PIS will work with the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The information will be displayed in both English and Kannada.
Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, BMTC director (projects) P K Garg, said,”We have already fitted GPS technology in 200-odd buses. Shortly, we will install PIS panels in bus shelters all along BIA routes. It will help passengers to access real time information of bus arrivals to a particular station. It will also promote Volvo bus services operated by the Corporation.”
It may be recalled that installation of PIS in bus shelters as well as inside buses was a long pending project of the BMTC. Though it had cleared the tender of a private firm, it could not go ahead with the plans because of a row over advertisements between the supplier and Bruhath Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) which constructs the bus shelters. Earlier, it had planned to install PIS panels in 80 bus shelters on 12 routes from the city to the international airport. This time, however, the BMTC is confident of clearing all hurdles and of installing the PIS in bus shelters with the help of KEONICS.
An official of the BMTC said that the Corporation has already installed PIS panels in three bus shelters in the city including the Shantinagar bus shelter. The BMTC has identified 20 bus shelters at various points in the city which includes Marathalli, Mekhri Circle, Hebbal, Malleshwaram, Shivajinagar, Majestic bus stand, Jayanagar and other areas. This time, the BMTC has decided that it will not display any kind of advertisements in PIS panels. It will only display real time information for the benefit of passengers.
PIS TO PROMOTE VOLVO SERVICES
BMTC which operates 300 odd city Volvo buses and 63 Vayu Vajra buses to the BIAL has not yet found good occupancy rates in all the routes. Installation of PIS in bus shelters will help the BMTC to increase occupancy. “Now passengers are clueless about bus arrival timings. Hence, the poor occupancy rates,” said an official.“If the PIS project proves successful, we will extend the project to all the areas in the city. We also have plans to install the PIS in Volvo buses which ply to BIAL,” the official added.

Demolitions will continue, says BBMP Commissioner

2009-11-23T05:23:00.002+05:30

Demolitions will continue, says BBMP Commissioner

Staff Reporter
‘Illegal structures being pulled down after serving notices’
‘Encroachments on storm-water drains causing inconvenience to people’

‘Plans approved based on documents provided by owners’

CONFIDENT: BBMP Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena during his inspection of an area where the demolition drive is under way in Bangalore on Sunday.
Bangalore: Amid resistance from owners of properties that have allegedly come up on storm-water drains, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena said the demolition drive will continue till the last illegal encroachment is removed.

Speaking to reporters here on Sunday after an inspection of areas where the demolition drive is under way, Mr. Meena said illegal structures were being pulled down only after serving notices on their owners.

Referring to the complaints of absence of transparency in the demolition drive, the BBMP Commissioner said he had asked the officials to exercise “due diligence” while clearing encroachments.

Earlier, the residents of apartment buildings in Gottigere, portions of which had been demolished, complained to the BBMP Commissioner that there was ambiguity over what portion of the apartment was built illegally while pointing out that the BBMP had not properly marked the area meant for demolition.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Meena said the encroachments on storm-water drains are causing inconvenience to people. “There is no question of abandoning the demolition drive,” he said.

When his attention was drawn to the contention by certain owners that the erstwhile City Municipal Councils (CMC) had approved their building plans, Mr. Meena said that the CMCs would have approved the plan based on the documents provided by the owners. “If they are now found encroaching upon the storm-water drains by the BBMP, they will have to be removed,” he said.

Properties identified by the BBMP for demolition include apartments as well as houses in Gottigere, Ittamadu and Yelahanka, whose building plans had been approved by the erstwhile civic bodies.

Out of the 900 instances of illegal encroachment identified by the BBMP along the storm-water drains in the city, the BBMP had cleared nearly 500 instances of encroachment. A portion of two five-storeyed apartments built on storm-water drains in Gottigere had been demolished. Regarding the status of Terrace Garden Apartment, which had a portion of the building on the storm-water drain at Ittamadu, the officials said that a court has stayed demolition for two weeks and action would be initiated after the stay order is vacated.

One of Jayanagar’s landmarks left to decay

2009-11-23T05:23:00.001+05:30

One of Jayanagar’s landmarks left to decay

Chitra V. Ramani
Puttanna Kanagal theatre reduced to dumping yard
— Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

NEEDED ATTENTION: A view of Puttanna Kanagal theatre in Jayanagar 4th Block in Bangalore.
Bangalore: For more than a decade now, no film has been screened at the Puttanna Kanagal theatre in Jayanagar 4th Block here. The theatre, named after renowned film-maker Puttanna Kanagal, has been reduced to a dumping yard.

In the basement parking lot of the theatre, many vehicles seized by the Regional Transport Authority have been dumped. It is not just vehicles; old cane baskets and construction material are also dumped in the dingy and dank basement. If that was not bad enough, residents in and around the area claim that the theatre had become a haven for anti-social elements.

“This is what the theatre has been reduced to. In 2004, there was a move to renovate the theatre. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike now has plans to demolish the landmark and construct a state-of-the-art theatre,” said N. Mukund of Citizens’ Action Forum.

He said that the civic authority had announced a few years ago of its plans to demolish the theatre and part of the vegetable market and construct a commercial mall, a multi-screen theatre and a multi-level parking lot in their place.

He said that the property worth Rs. 20 crore was going to waste, as the BBMP was delaying the project.

“The residents and even the Jayanagar MLA have appealed to the BBMP to take up the project soon. There has been no positive response so far,” he said.

He said that the BBMP could remodel the theatre to a theatre-cum-auditorium. “There is no auditorium in this part of the city. The nearest auditorium is Ravindra Kalakshetra on J.C. Road. Several renowned film personalities, who had claimed that they would approach the BBMP and pressure it to revive the theatre, are now silent,” he said.

Film actor Ambarish, who was introduced to the film industry by Puttanna Kanagal, said that the present state of the theatre was an “insult to the acclaimed filmmaker”. “If the BBMP cannot maintain it, they should at least give it on lease to someone who will. The Chief Minister should intervene and pressure the BBMP,” he said.

He said that fellow actor Vishnuvardhan had for many years expressed his desire to maintain the theatre, as a tribute to Puttanna Kanagal. Incidentally, even Vishnuvardhan was introduced by Kanagal.

Jayanagar MLA B.N. Vijayakumar told The Hindu that he had on several occasions, instructed the RTO not to use the basement to dump their vehicles. “There are many other problems that have arisen due to lack of regular maintenance. I will bring pressure on the BBMP again to take up the work as soon as possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, BBMP sources claimed that they were in the process of finalising the detailed project report submitted by Sundaram Consultants for renovation of the complex and theatre. The project will be taken up soon, they added.

Residents put to difficulty again

2009-11-23T05:22:00.000+05:30

Residents put to difficulty again

Staff Reporter
Newly-laid road dug up for laying pipelines this time

EYESORE: Mounds of debris have piled up along the road in Sanjaynagar in Bangalore.
BANGALORE: Barely had they heaved a sigh of relief over the completion of the unduly prolonged asphalting work of their main road, when the residents of Sanjaynagar in the city were aghast to see the newly-laid road dug up again for laying pipelines.

The mounds of debris piled up along the road are not only an eyesore but also a source of inconvenience to the residents as well as the motorists passing through the Sanjaynagar Main Road which connects adjoining areas, including Hebbal, R.T. Nagar and RMV Extension.

“This road appears to be under repair forever. The work on this road never seems to end. It is a major problem for the general public as the traffic is diverted. Even the pedestrians are put to hardship as the pavements are covered in debris,” said Rama Mohan, a banker, who commutes through Sanjaynagar.

President of Residents’ Association of Sanjaynagar V. Sathyamurthy recalled that the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had taken up road work on this stretch more than two-and-a-half years ago. “But, the contractor had carried out a shoddy job. We had to approach the Lokayukta after which the lapses were set right. This led to a more than a year-long delay in the completion of the project. Now, a little over a year after the asphalting work has been completed, the road has been dug up again, this time by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) apparently for laying underground pipes of a larger diameter,” he said.

A frustrated Mr. Sathyamurthy chose to describe the BWSSB and BBMP “digging agencies” and wondered why there cannot be co-ordination between the two agencies before taking up such projects so that the public can be put to minimum inconvenience.

Though the BWSSB officials claimed that they took up the work after holding a co-ordination meeting between the officials of the two wings, Mr. Sathyamurthy is not convinced. For, the portion of the dug up road, where the pipeline has been laid, is yet to be filled up. “Can’t they asphalt the portion of the road where BWSSB’s work has been completed? We fear that they will leave it unattended,” he said.

However, BBMP officials promised to begin asphalting the road soon after the pipes are laid by end of the November. But, BWSSB officials said the work on laying the pipelines is expected to continue till January 2010.

Metro work: No dump site for debris

2009-11-23T05:20:00.000+05:30

Metro work: No dump site for debris

November 23rd, 2009
By Our Correspondent
Tags: debris, Metro Rail project

Nov. 22: The excavation for the underground stretch of Metro Rail at Majestic will unearth huge problems for the city. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) is likely to begin the work in a week but the agency is yet to identify a site to dump the tonnes of debris which will be generated during the exercise.
Ecologists now fear that if proper sites are not identified soon, lakes in the city could be choked with the debris like in the past. Earlier, several infrastructure projects have ensured the death of many city lakes and vacant green patches. Several landfill sights came up once the construction boom began in the IT city in the late 90s. With many buildings coming up in the last 10 years, quite a few lakes died a permanent death. Once excavation work begins at Majestic, 100 truckloads of mud will be lifted from the construction site every day but the authorities are silent on where they will dump this. “The excavation will begin in an area of about 7.5 acres for 90 days. Though it has been decided that the debris will be transported at night, there have been no measures to check the resulting dust pollution once the machines start drilling the rocky area,” explained an ecologist. But BMRCL does not have any plans in place on how the trucks will move from the main city area till the dump yard. The traffic police has also not been informed. “Though several bus stops across the city will accommodate the buses running to different sectors, Majestic will still remain a busy area due to the commercial establishments, markets and the railway station. The authorities have to come up with a road map and a transportation policy,” the ecologist added.
BMRCL sources admitted that a final spot has not been identified but efforts are on to do so. “A few quarry pits on the outskirts of the city have been identified at Hennur and off K Narayana Pura, but a final decision on the dump site is yet to be taken,” they said.

Crossing roads a nightmare here

2009-11-23T05:19:00.002+05:30

Crossing roads a nightmare here
Bangalore:,Nov 22, Deccan Herald News Service:

How safe are pedestrians in Bangalore? Not very, considering even crossing roads is a dangerous proposal in some parts of the City.

Take for instance two classic examples: Residency Road and St Mark’s Road, where the requirements of pedestrians are neglected. Several thousand people cross these roads every day. There are schools, colleges and important offices and public movement is intense at all times.

However a skywalk on Residency Road near Cotton’s Complex, instead of facilitating pedestrians, is an eye-sore and rarely used. The BBMP seems to have erred while choosing location for the skywalk. It is highly unscientific in terms of height too. Students with heavy bags and elderly persons can not climb the height.

BBMP Engineer Major Road Chikkarayappa said: “We admit that location of the skywalk is unscientific. Geo Penetration Radar Survey to address the pedestrian crossing problems is on. The report is expected shortly. We will come up with a solution once the report is submitted.”

Some staff of St Joseph's College point out few stretches where the pedestrians are put to hardship: a stretch between Bishop Cotton Girls’ School and St Joseph’s College Junction, the road in front of St Joseph’s College till its end connecting to St Marks Road and from St Marks Road to Anil Kumble Circle.

The pedestrians crossing roads near State Bank of India and Church Street will have to do so on their risk as vehicles ply continuously with utmost speed, they added. They have to walk only when the vehicles stop on the road either due to red light on Anil Kumble Circle or due to traffic jam.

Patients visiting Specialists’ Clinic opposite SBI also would have a tough time. “We have to walk long distance to cross the road. Even healthy persons find it difficult to cross the road. Then, imagine our plight,” says D’Souza a regular visitor to the clinic.
Interestingly, there are two zebra crossings on Residency Road, one near the Church and another at St Joseph's College junction. Neither a policeman is seen here monitoring vehicular movement nor vehicle users slow down and move further.

Two agencies involved in providing facilities came up with different versions. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic & Security) Praveen Sood said: “Traffic police have identified around 100 locations where pedestrian crossing facilities can be provided. We have submitted a proposal in this regard to BBMP. It’s up to the BBMP to provide facilities. It’s impossible to deploy policemen on each zebra crossing point. Moreover, vehicle users have a major role to play. They should slow down and move further carefully while crossing zebra crossing points.”

Commuters bear the brunt of RSS meet

2009-11-23T05:19:00.001+05:30

Commuters bear the brunt of RSS meet
Bangalore,Nov 22, Deccan Herald News Service:

Traffic police had a tough time in controlling the vehicular movement around Palace Grounds, after the conclusion of public address by the RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday evening.

Even though, two other functions and five weddings were slated in the same vicinity, there was no logjam, the police added. "The organisers of the public function themselves had volunteered to ensure smooth flow of traffic. Hence, it did not turn out to be a nightmare for us," said Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Security) Praveen Sood.

The RSS had hired BMTC buses for fetching people from various parts of the City. As a result, scores of vehicles were lined up on the roads leading to the venue.
Praveen Sood added that three parking lots were set up for the buses and other vehicles - two near the Gayathri Vihar entrance and another on Jayamahal Road. “It prevented gridlock,” he pointed out.

Traffic was normal before the programme started. However, it turned out to be a nuisance for the traffic policemen from 7 to 8:30 pm. “We were able to heave a sigh of relief only at 8:30 pm,” he remarked.

A large number of police personnel were deployed for overseeing security arrangements

Resident groups to contest BBMP elections

2009-11-23T05:17:00.000+05:30

Resident groups to contest BBMP elections
G Manjusainath, Nov 22, Bangalore:

In a reflection of people’s loss of faith in politicians, many Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) in Bangalore have decided to field their own candidates in the forthcoming elections to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

As of now, the residents’ associations have zeroed in on more than 100 candidates in the City.

Fed up with the appalling condition of roads, mountains of garbage, the stray dog menace and the general civic mess, the RWAs are set to take things into their own hands in a bid to usher in a new order.
Whether they will be able to beat the system and the machinations of politicians is another matter.

The idea of fielding candidates in the civic polls is not new, but having observed the BBMP with and without politicians, many RWAs now feel that an upright public representative is far better than a politician.

Abhyudaya, a Federation of some 35 RWAs with around 400 volunteers, the Malleswaram Federation with some 20 RWAs and some RWAs at Konanakunte have already identified candidates who would be contesting the civic elections. The Bangalore Chapter of the Citizens’ Action Forum (CAF), which is emerging as a school of politics for “Mr and Mrs Clean” is offering a platform to groom candidates so that he or she can be in a winnable position.
Talking to Deccan Herald, Dr Meenakshi Bharath of the CAF, said the forum was founded to cleanse the political system, which can only be done at the grassroots level.

She too is gearing up to contest the BBMP election from Malleswaram. “I have got the backing of the RWAs and the residents of my area,” said Dr Meenakshi. The CAF will help candidates in electioneering by roping in all the RWAs.
Abhyudaya will field candidates in all the eight wards of the Padmanabhanagar assembly constituency. It has already identified all the candidates.

“By contesting election, we want to prove that money is not the driving force. We have been serving the masses voluntarily. Now through gaining power we will be able to serve people more effectively. If we keep on allowing greedy people to become our representatives they will indulge more and more in amassing wealth,” said Mukunda. However, there are RWAs which do not think the CAF or Abhyudaya way. Keshava Kumar, general secretary of the Federation of Jayanagar RWAs, has apprehensions that politicians who are denied tickets by their parties may join RWAs to contest the election under the RWAs’ banner. But Dr Meenakshi dispelled such apprehensions on the ground that people are familiar with active RWAs and their candidates.
DH News Service

Two depots to go next month

2009-11-22T05:35:00.002+05:30

Two depots to go next month
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Amidst confusion over the KSRTC bus terminus being shifted to give way for Metro work, transport minister R Ashoka on Saturday said only two depots will be shifted initially under the first phase.
Speaking at the launch of the revamped BMTC website, Ashoka said: “There will be no problem for commuters here as the BMTC bus terminal will operate as usual. At the KSRTC terminus, two depots will be shifted in the first phase next month. In the second phase, 1,100 buses will be shifted to other stations while retaining 1,600 scheduled services.”
He said if BMRC authorities notify the government a week before Metro work begins, they will partially vacate the bus station.
WEBSITE REVAMPED
The revamped BMTC website — www.bmtcinfo.com — has several user-friendly features such as route search. There is also information on fares and passes, along with the option of online purchase of the latter.
Additional features include weather and traffic update. There is also information about various services such as Vayu Vajra, Vajra, Big 10, Suvarna and Pushpak, along with routes and timing. One can also lodge complaints online or even call the helpline numbers — 18004251663, 12667 or 22029935 — for queries.
GPS-tracked information will be made available to passengers at bus terminals. Besides, the electronic ticketing project has been taken up at Hebbal depot.

Malleswaram to be next zero-garbage constituency

2009-11-22T05:35:00.001+05:30

Malleswaram to be next zero-garbage constituency
Bangalore, Nov 21,DHNS

Emulating the successful Gandhinagar model of ‘zero-garbage’, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), on Saturday, held a public meet, seeking suggestions and feedback on the policy in Malleswaram.

The ‘zero-garbage’ policy has already been implemented in two of the seven wards - Aramane Nagar and Malleswaram. The BBMP has now planned to implement the policy in the remaining five wards.
BBMP Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena said, the BBMP will provide two bins - one green in colour (for wet garbage) and a yellow bin (for dry garbage) to residents welfare associations.
The policy will be implemented next in Rajajinagar constituency.

Vayu Vajra pass charges reduced

2009-11-22T05:34:00.002+05:30

Vayu Vajra pass charges reduced
Bangalore,Nov 21, DH News Service:

Minister for Transport R Ashok, on Saturday announced that the monthly pass charges for the Vayu Vajra Volvo international airport service will be brought down by Rs 250 from December.

Speaking after launching the re-designed website of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) here, the minister said, with effect from December 1, the cost of the Volvo Gold Pass that costs Rs 1500 will be available for Rs 1250. “This has been done to make the Volvo airport service more affordable” said Ashok.

The minister also clarified that the services of the BMTC would not be affected from the Kempegowda Bus Station at Majestic from December. “Only services from the KSRTC depots will be shifted.

KSRTC buses will gradually make a shift from KBS to the new satellite bus stations that are being constructed at Peenya, NGEF-Old Madras Road and other places, when they are ready for operations” he added. The website: www.bmtcinfo.com has information on all available services, route information and stops and time-schedules of buses.

Life is miserable here...

2009-11-22T05:34:00.001+05:30

Life is miserable here...

The few property owners and tenants of Swami Vivekananda Road who continue to run their business establishments, rue the pathetic condition of the road, post construction of ‘Namma Metro’.

A stroll down this stretch makes one wonder if an earthquake had struck. Remains of demolished buildings dot the entire road, reminding one of the havoc infrastructure projects can cause to people.

Residents here say that construction has now made the road almost non-usable affecting their lives. With the nearest bus stop located at Halasuru, those commuting by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have to encounter potholes galore, uneven surfaces, deeply dug trenches and non-existent footpaths.

Halasuru also has a number of schools in its vicinity, which makes walking difficult for students during mornings and evenings. Residents also say that entering the temples on this road has become a harrowing task as huge cranes and JCB’s of Namma Metro criss-cross the road and make the task of pedestrians a nightmarish experience.

As a matter of fact, the Karnataka High Court had to intervene and stop the BMRCL from acquiring an old Vinayaka temple, adjacent to the proposed Halasuru station, from being dismantled for the Metro project. This apart, the Old Bazaar street at Halasuru is teeming with vehicles, compounding the problem of bad traffic management.

Naveen Prasad P N, (Sharada Stores) Halasuru since 1948: “We have to endure heaps of dust pollution, since the Metro work began. Many traders have had to fix glass doors, to prevent dust from entering their shops. During rains, mud accumulates and makes it difficult for customers to go shopping in Halasuru. Business volumes and rents have come down in the area. BMRCL should ensure early completion of works”

Lokesh, Sumangali Stores in Halasuru, stationers established 70 years ago: “There are layers of dust, mud and slush from morning to night after project construction began. Of late, most business establishments on this road have seen a drop by 50 per cent in earnings. Even public have been put into a lot of trouble, the traffic is horrible. There are no cops controlling traffic, despite halasuru police station being 100 mtrs away”

Facilities for differently abled

The Halasuru station will be a friendly towards differently abled. The station will be provided with ramps for the handicapped and ductile tiles and Braille buttons in elevators for the blind. The Metro will be accessible for wheelchair bound passengers too, with space being provided for them behind the driver's cabin.

It will be accessible via elevators and escalators. CCTV’s will keep a tab on movement of all pasengers who enter and exit the station

Halasuru station- uproots large number of businessmen

2009-11-22T05:33:00.002+05:30

Halasuru station- uproots large number of businessmen
S Praveen Dhaneshkar,Nov 21,DHNS

Are the Metro stations seamlessly networked with other modes of transport. Can commuters simply park their personal vehicles at these hubs and get on / off the Metro Rail. Deccan Herald takes a look at this critical aspect, while tracking the citizen’s woes due to the project works, stretch by stretch.

The fourth station on Reach-1 from the Baiyappanahalli depot, the Halasuru station is an elevated one, located on the land where the old police quarters once stood.

It is being built at a height of about 11.6 metres above ground and once operational in December 2010, would service areas such Swami Vivekananda Road, Halasuru, Cambridge Road, Udani Layout, Nanjappa Circle and its vicinity.

Currently, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has completed about 25 percent of the work at this station. Located on the Old Madras Road (Swami Vivekananda Road), residents and business establishments on this stretch of the ‘Namma Metro’ corridor have probably suffered the most, in terms of loss of private property by owners and loss of business by tenants. While amenities at this station will be the same as other station on Reach-1, BMRCL had to acquire the maximum number of private properties on this stretch to align the Metro through Halasuru, an area that also has the maximum number of temples on Reach-1, notably the Someshwara Temple and the Subramanya Swamy Temple, dating back to the Chola period.

The Halasuru station is located as mentioned on the vast vacant land, that once housed, a residential colony for police constables and officers. BMRCL offered alternative land for the shifting and rehabilitation for the hundred and odd families that resided here, while acquiring this land for the station.

However, a large number of established traders who were located on this Road had to shut shop and relocate after BMRCL began construction activity for the project here.
Most of the land losers were offered a fair market value for surrendering their land by agreement, under section 29 (2) of Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) Act, 1966.

Town planning has to be mapped with road planning say experts. With the loss to private property for aligning the Metro on this part of the City, being the maximum, legal experts have for long voiced concern on the lack of proper planning on the authorities while approving infrastructure projects.

Sajan Poovayya, a senior lawyer and chairman of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) - Karnataka State Council, says town and city planning has to be mapped with road/transport planning, before key infrastructure projects are planned. “Short term pains have to be decreased for long term gains like the Bangalore Metro project. In developed countries such as London, the Metro was planned hundred years ago. Here, we have just begun. Logically aligning a Metro through a Central Business District (CBD) has to be below ground. But, here you have an elevated corridor in congested areas and an underground corridor in front of the Vidhana Soudha” observes Poovayya.

Advocating minimal trouble to business establishments who have to suffer losses, while relocating for projects such as the Metro, Poovayya adds that local industry bodies such as FKCCI have to play a more proactive role to highlight problems faced by the those in the retail and small industry segments. “Depriving people of their livelihood, which is a fundamental right, is bad planning” he said.

AQ link: Monorail co under scanner

2009-11-22T05:33:00.001+05:30

AQ link: Monorail co under scanner

November 22nd, 2009
By Our Correspondent

Bengaluru
Nov. 21: Scomi International, the multi-billion dollar Malaysian firm which joined hands with Indian company Geodesic for the 58 km monorail project in Bengaluru is under the state government’s scanner after an intelligence tip-off about the Malaysian firm’s links to rogue Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan’s network.
According to sources in the secretariat, the government will seek directions from the Union ministry of home affairs on the issue. “We have received inputs from intelligence agencies about the involvement of Scomi’s chief executive officer Shah Hakim Shahzanim Zain in the clandestine nuclear smuggling network headed by A.Q. Khan,” a source said.
“The United States has slapped sanctions on the Malaysian businessman, whose name figures along with 12 other individuals including Khan. After the tip-off we did a background check and collected information about the nuclear proliferation. We will seek advice from Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on how to proceed.”
While Scomi tied up with L&T for the Rs 2,400 crore monorail project in Mumbai early this year, Scomi-Geodesic proposed to take up the project on the Swiss Challenge Method.
“After initial opposition from BMRCL over alignment proposed by the consortium, the infrastructure development department, which is coordinating the project, referred the project to ABIDe for concurrence. It is still in the proposal stage and nothing has been signed.
This is the second such incident we have come across after Algerian Salim Abbasi was arrested and later released following an Interpol red corner alert,” the source said.
Abbasi, who was alleged to have terror links, was keen to take up a windmill project in Karnataka. “We will wait till the Centre clears Scomi to avoid any embarrassment in the future,” the source added.
Zain, a major shareholder of Scomi, was named by the US state department for his alleged involvement in Khan’s nuclear proliferation ring. He has been banned from doing business with the American government. According to media reports, the businessman was involved in transfer of funds from Libya and Lebanon to finance the manufacture of centrifuge components manufactured by a Scomi subsidiary.

Roadblock: BBMP, BWSSB guilty?

2009-11-22T05:32:00.000+05:30

Roadblock: BBMP, BWSSB guilty?

November 22nd, 2009
By Our Correspondent
Tags: BBMP, BWSSB

Bengaluru
Nov. 21: Lack of coordination between two major civic agencies in the city, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), has put residents of Bengaluru East in a tight spot. Kamaraj Road, which connects that part of the city to the Central Business District, Shivajinagar and other areas has been blocked twice in the past six months.
The BWSSB has just finished laying a 900 mm diameter pipe from Ulsoor Lake to Armstrong Road for supply of drinking water. Kamaraj Road had been blocked for the duration of the project — almost 45 days. Residents, who thought an end to their troubles was in sight, have now received another shocker. Kamaraj Road has been blocked again by BBMP for the construction of a bridge across a stormwater drain (SWD), diverting traffic to residential lanes.
Residents hold the civic agencies responsible for their inconvenience, alleging that both BBMP and the BWSSB failed to coordinate while planning their projects.
More vehicles will be forced to ply on narrow and battered residential lanes, increasing the traffic woes of residents in Bharathinagar, Armstrong Road, Veerapillai Street and St. John’s Road. “The noise pollution from the vehicles disturbs us even as late as 10 at night. As this locality used to be serene, the residents are not used to the erratic speeds at which vehicles move on the roads,” says former corporator M. Pari.
Senior citizens and schoolchildren are finding it difficult to cross the road due to the speeding vehicles, say residents of Veerapillai Street. “The work on Kamaraj Road is complete and now work will be carried out in other areas,” says a senior BWSSB engineer. A BBMP engineer also denies that the civic body is to blame for the fresh inconvenience, saying, “The remodelling of the drain could not be carried out while the BWSSB was doing its work as adequate space was required for constructing a bridge. We have coordinated with the traffic police to minimise the inconvenience and traffic has been suitably diverted. The work will take at least three months.”

At some of the junctions along Sarjapur Road, a traffic jam can last for almost two hours

2009-11-21T09:14:00.002+05:30

At some of the junctions along Sarjapur Road, a traffic jam can last for almost two hours. Motorists taking the law into their own hands is not uncommon

Wh i l e
u p - m a r k e t brand outlets and super-rich gated communities jostle for space here, Sarjapur Road is also infamous for something else — its traffic jams. This road is dotted with huge apartment complexes at every nook and corner, populated mostly by techies who work in the Koramangala-Whitefield-Electronics City belt. As they use this route for their daily commute to their workplace and back, most of the traffic chaos happens during the morning and evening peak hours.
Usually, at a junction, we see a maximum of two traffic cops manning a particular signal. Take a drive down Sarjapur Road and you may find around four to five traffic cops at a single junction. Then again, it is a wonder that in spite of so many traffic cops manning a junction, traffic on the road moves at a snail’s pace often leaving the commuters helpless and frustrated.
ADDING TO THE CHAOS
Recently, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has also taken up two flyover projects - at Agara and Iblur, both at close proximity to each other - on the same stretch to facilitate a smooth ride to the Bangalore International Airport. While the service roads at these junctions have been tarred to ensure fewer road blocks, the construction activity has added to the peak hour chaos.
On the seven kilometre stretch from St John’s Hospital to the Iblur junction, there are only five junctions as such but each junction creates a mini traffic jam by itself. The hold-up can take anything between half an hour to even two hours on some of the worst days. Blame it on the large number of heavy vehicles commuting on this road or some irresponsible traffic cops who are either busy reading the newspaper or busy collecting fines instead of easing the traffic.
NEGOTIATING TRAFFIC
Bangalore Mirror conducted a test drive from St John’s Hospital to the Wipro Corporate office on Sarjapur Road which is a eight kilometre stretch. The first junction was the Koramangala Intermediate Ring Road junction. The traffic here is only a few metres long, because of the recent enforcement of the two-way system on Hosur Road. The traffic at this junction is now manageable.
The next junction is Madiwala (John Fowler stop). Krupanidhi College and the St Francis Institutions are both situated at this junction. Even at 8:15 am, the traffic was at its peak. School children were finding it hard to cross the road to get to the other side. The traffic policeman was present but only for namesake as he was busy reading the newspaper. It takes anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes to cross this junction.
Jakkasandra was the next junction. Here, there was one traffic policeman on duty and the traffic was coming from all four sides. Minor accidents are quite common at this junction. In fact, one such accident took place while we were waiting at the junction — a motorcycle was hit by an autorickshaw and the bike rider escaped with minor injuries on his foot and arms.
BAD BOTTLENECK
From Jakkasandra junction, the traffic slows down even further while we approach Agara junction where flyover work is in progress. Apart from the two traffic cops present at the junction, there are two additional security personnel appointed by few software companies operating in the area, to ease the traffic. This junction is a mess with vehicles zooming in from all directions. Traffic cops here confess that they have been attacked by angry commuters sometimes. At times, traffic hold-up at this junction builds up from Jakkasandra onwards.
From there, the traffic moves at a snail’s pace towards Iblur junction. Here too, there are traffic cops and private security men manning the junction. The vehicles do not even wait for the cops to give them the signal to go ahead and it further creates problems with bumper to bumper traffic. Moreover, in the absence of the cops, commuters ignore all rules despite this junction having a traffic signal. For the pedestrians, it creates a maze which is hard to get through without enough practice. This junction is also notorious for accidents mainly because of the heavy vehicles plying on this road.
The last junction before we reach the Wipro Corporate office is the Kaikondrahalli junction which is a small junction with a huge problem. It connects Sarjapur Road to Hosur Road and at peak hours vehicles coming from the Hosur Road side create a jam on the main road. The problem is made worse because of a bus stop exactly at the junction. The
drivers stop their buses right in the middle of the road thereby blocking traffic. It takes an hour at times to get past this junction. The traffic cop is absent in this spot almost all the time.

Commuters face hard ride

2009-11-21T09:14:00.001+05:30

Commuters face hard ride
Deepa Bhasthi & N D Shiva Kumar | TNN

Bangalore: With plans to shut down the KSRTC bus stand in Majestic area to facilitate work on the Mero Rail project, there’d be some inconvenience to passengers. But KSRTC MD Gaurav Gupta sought to downplay it, saying it would be similar to those in places like M G Road and CMH Road. “We’re trying to work it out so that inconvenience can be minimized,” he said.
While refusing to go into specifics, he confirmed that not all services from the Majestic bus stand would be stopped.
“Due to land limitation, the handling capacity of the bus stand will come down and some movement of buses will be affected,” Gupta said. The depots will be gradually shifted as well. For the moment, several services will shift to the Shanthinagar bus terminal, though in the long run, Gupta said, other depots will be required.
Assuring an organized shifting, Gupta said a detailed schedule for every bus would be chalked out and communicated to the public.
The shifting will be gradual and several buses will leave from locations mentioned by Ashoka on Thursday — Peenya, Hebbal, Mysore Road, Shanthinagar and NGEF, apart from Majestic itself. About 2,800 buses, on an average, operate from Majestic now. Officials emphasize there’s no immediate threat to services and shifting to other locations will be gradual.

MESSY TIMES FOR MAJESTIC

2009-11-21T09:12:00.002+05:30

MESSY TIMES FOR MAJESTIC
Underground Metro Work To Begin After 3 Months. Sewage System May Be Hit
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Three months may go by before the Metro begins tunnelling underground. Work, already delayed by almost three months, is now facing a glitch due to high quotations in one of the tenders.
This apart, there are challenges ahead in the more congested areas of Majestic, Chickpet and City Market area. But BMRC MD N Sivasailam is confident of meeting the July-September 2012 deadline for the overall project.
“We may be three months late now, but we will make up. The success of Metro will come from its overall network. Even the first 7 km of the Metro stretch will not help one judge the entire network,’’ he said at an interactive meeting with FKCCI members here on Friday.
After Reach 1, work should be completed on the northern line from June to September 2011. The southern and western stretches of Metro will also be ready by September 2011, but they are likely to be opened last, as they are linked to the underground stretch, he said.
The challenges apart, land acquisition has been smooth as butter, with not a single case challenging the valuation, and an increasing number of contracts being acquired by locals — the latest being the Rs 120 crore contract for 176 escalators.
Sivasailam also clarified other questions raised about the project:
TREES CUT FOR METRO
An act incidental to such development projects. A total of 1,000 trees will be cut overall for the underground stretches. “However, we will be able to restore almost 90% of them soon.”
COST ESCALATION?
It’s wrong to say the project suffers from it. It’s more an effect of rising prices — quite natural to see a change in what was proposed in the DPR way back in 2003 and implementing it in 2007 and completing it in 2012.
The overall cost of the project now — at Rs 12,000 crore — has also risen from the earlier sanctioned Rs 6,395 crore, due to the new extensions.
ESTIMATED REVENUE FROM METRO
The 42 km of Metro is estimated to earn Rs 550 crore annually, while the annual operational cost will be Rs 300-400 crore.
Almost 5% of the revenue will come from sources other than fare — a large portion through advertising, as it passes through the CBD.
A lot of funding also to come from TDRs that are being worked out with the BBMP. However, a concrete decision on going with property development like the Delhi Metro is not decided yet.
METRO CONNECTIVITY OR HSRL TO BIA?
Yes, there might be a Metro link to BIA. The pre-feasibility study on this is being done. However, it will not contradict or conflict the HSRL corridor. Both are separate.
PHASE II OF METRO
DPRs for this phase expected next month. Three-four lines are being considered for this. Here, we will be taking it from Hesarghatta cross to the Bangalore International Exhibition grounds. The important factor is that it will link a lot of business hubs like K R Puram, Electronic City and Whitefield. However, much of it depends on government approval.
IMPACT OF TUNNELLING ON BOREWELLS, DRINKING WATER AND SEWAGE LINES
An impact assessment study has already been done by IISc. The tunnel is going to be 5.6 m in diameter.
It might be challenging in areas like Chickpet where the water table is high. There might be some contamination in some areas, but potability will be restored within twothree months.
We are also working with BWSSB on some alternate arrangement for this period. The main problem with water lines is that about 60% of them are not traceable yet.

Paper on satellite towns aims to change face of city outskirts

2009-11-21T09:12:00.001+05:30

Paper on satellite towns aims to change face of city outskirts

But Bangalore Metropolitan Regional Development Authority says instead of remaining on paper, such projects should be effectively implemented to develop the outskirts which will help in decongesting the city centre. Bosky Khanna reports

Bosky Khanna

While the state government, corporation and ABIDe members are focusing on development and upgradation of the city centre, its outskirts remain ignored.
To ensure that city outskirts are adequately developed with all facilities and proposed township projects are not shelved, a concept paper on satellite towns is being created. Speaking to DNA, Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructure and Development (ABIDe) task force member Ashwin Mahesh said this report would be ready within 15 days.
The report would explain why there were failures or delays in the commencement of the proposed townships. It would also list possible solutions for surmounting them.
"It will comprise of strategies of developing townships based on what is present, what are the strengths of the area and enhance them through adequate development. Townships should first leverage people's needs. Thus, in principle, we have first chosen to create and improve social infrastructure by helping to set up schools, universities, educational institutions, and hospitals. A need for people to reside will be created and then parallel townships will be created," he said.
But the Bangalore Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (BMRDA) sources said developing and upgrading local planning areas and connectivity projects was only on paper and their meetings with ABIDe had not proved effective.
The state government, on May 28, had approved BMRDA's interim master plan for developing Anekal, Hoskotte, Magadi, Kanakapura and Nelamanagala area. The plan aims to develop 4000 sq km area around BBMP zones. In 1999, BMRDA had proposed to construct a 204-km satellite town ring road (STRR) and a 130-km intermediate ring road (IRR). This was approved in 2007, with the aim of decongesting traffic on the existing ring roads thereby making commuting faster and easier.
"We are a part of ABIDe and are present at all meetings. But none of our proposed projects are implemented. They merely remain on paper. ABIDe members are focusing on decongesting the city centre, but have forgotten that this would be effective when city outskirts are developed," Mahesh said.
At the conceptual level, developing towns and areas with all facilities is a good idea, as it was proposed. But the fundamental problem is how to crack it for investment and make it worthwhile. Thus, it is important first to create social infrastructure and then develop the area for residential purposes. Through the concept paper, ABIDe is now working in this direction to complete the projects.
The reason why townships are not being developed is due to lack of commercial interest from private players. This is one of the reasons why Bidadi project is yet to take off.
Plan Bengaluru 2020 for road, traffic management and transportation issued by ABIDe on January 1 says that STRR, when developed, should be signal-free and junction-free, for inter-township connectivity and for bypass. Similarly, IRR should also be signal-free, junction-free (one half or two half depending on agreement with NICE on eight-lane and toll).
"Of the two, only STRR would be retained. Connectivity between nearby towns has to be established using existing direct road linkage between them rather than a full IRR. Since STRR and IRR in most places will run parallel, there is no need for both. Connectivity to the existing towns like Magadi can be enhanced by making the existing roads four lanes wide and signal-free with dividers," Mahesh said.

Metro underground plans run aground

2009-11-21T09:11:00.002+05:30

Metro underground plans run aground

BMRCL has delayed the work by three months as bidders' quotations were high

Senthalir S. Bangalore

Work on the underground section of the metro rail project will be delayed by three months now, as bidders have quoted an amount about Rs600 crore more than the tender amount.
"Work on the underground section was scheduled to begin this month. But the bidders' quotations were a little high. Hence, we cancelled the earlier tender and will float fresh tenders again. We are positive of getting a lower rate through unbundling. We will be able to complete the project by July-September 2011, as scheduled. We will make up for the delay," said N Sivasailam, managing director, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), when addressing members of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI).
A senior BMRCL official said that the tender cost was Rs2,400 crore and highest quotation was Rs3,000 crore, which is Rs600 crore more. The lowest bidder had quoted Rs2,700 crore. "The package has been broken and tenders for the stretch between City Market and Majestic will be invited again. The contract for half the underground work in this stretch might be awarded in another two or three weeks," the official said.
Sivasailam said that the metro work is going as per schedule and that the first line from Byappanahalli to the Cricket Stadium would be functional from December 2010.

Biz may not be majestic after all

2009-11-21T09:11:00.001+05:30

Biz may not be majestic after all

The KSRTC bus terminus is a source of livelihood to many engaged in the hotel business

Shwetha S. Bangalore

Once the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd begins work on the underground station at the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus station at Majestic, it won't be commuters alone who will be inconvenienced. The terminus offers many engaged in the hotel business a livelihood. There are also shopkeepers here who anticipate that business will be hard-hit once Metro work begins.
Shop-owners in the area expressed their anxiety to this reporter. K Venkatesh, who works at Amar Boarding and Lodging, said, "We have been running this lodge for the past three decades. Our business is dependent entirely on the people who use the bus services here. We have nearly 100% occupancy everyday; there is a rush of passengers looking for rooms. But once the buses begin to ply from elsewhere, that will change. For the three years that the Metro work continues, we cannot fully anticipate our losses yet."
At India Lodge and Atithi Guest House, Razak Perla said, "The shifting of the Tamil Nadu-bound buses to Shantinagar has already adversely affected our business. We have nearly 30% less bookings now; in the last two months, the Kerala-bound buses have been departing from the Mysore Road satellite terminal. Our business took a beating by another 20% since then. Now if other buses too are shifted elsewhere, we just don't know what use it will be to still be here. Our business is entirely dependent on the travellers."
It is not only the owners of lodges who are a worried lot. There are nearly 80 small business people operating in the vicinity of the Majestic bus stand. The changes occurring at the KSRTC bus terminus are bound to affect them all: nearly 30 shops are earmarked for demolition, to make way for the Metro station, which will also take up a third of the area near the entrance of the terminus.
Dushyaanth Deshpande, a seller of bags for travellers, says, "KSRTC has rented this place to us. We pay a rent of Rs16,000 each month. Since the buses bound to Tamil Nadu and Kerala were moved elsewhere, our business has fallen by nearly 40%. We used to sell nearly 100 bags a day; there are days now when only about 30 bags are sold. We have been finding it hard even to pay the monthly rent. Once Metro work starts, we don't know if we will be able to sell even as many bags. There will be little profit in the trade."
Mohammed Ali Khan, a cloth merchant, said, "I have been in this business for 20 years. We moved here from Yeshwantpur, as there is such a large and moving population here. Once the Metro work begins, though, our shop here will be demolished. We will have no option but to move again. We are quite helpless in the matter, once the demolition happens, we will be forced to set up shop somewhere else and start anew."

Auto ride to become Easy

2009-11-21T09:10:00.000+05:30

Auto ride to become Easy

Express News ServiceFirst Published : 20 Nov 2009 04:25:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 20 Nov 2009 06:38:53 AM IST
BANGALORE: Auto-Rickshaw drivers refusing to take passengers to certain destinations has been a persistent problem in Bangalore.
The good news is this might become a problem of the past if the Easy Auto service launched by the Smart Commuting Services Private Limited (SCSPL) on Thursday, takes off. This service is designed to address the day-to-day hardships faced by commuters when they take an autorickshaw.
WHAT WILL IT DO
One can call 9844112233 for an autorickshaw to come to their doorstep and commute to the desired destination.
SCSPL MD Padmasree Harish said that the Easy Auto service would address the first and last mile connectivity problems of urban transportation and the goal is to reduce the usage of private vehicles thereby reducing traffic congestion.
She said that the vehicles will be monitored and tracked using GPS technology and drivers are accountable thereby ensuring safe commuting.
Padmasree said that this service will help decongest the city roads by at least 30 pc. “The service would be commuter-friendly and helps in better integration of urban land transport network,” she added.
The Easy Auto service has a fleet of 50 autorickshaws on road as of now.
“Initially, the call centre works between 7 am and 10 pm. We have started installation of the GPS units in the next 25 vehicles that are expected to go on road by Dec 1, 2009.
By March 2010, we are looking at increasing our fleet size to 500 autorickshaws and by Feb 1, 2010, 250 autorickshaws,” Padmasree informed.
It was said that by March 2010 registered members of Easy Auto will be able to use an SMS to find autorickshaws near their localities.
“Currently, commuters can call the call centre at 9844112233 for the service. By March 2010, the commuters can book autorickshaws through SMS or by logging on to the website - www.easyauto.in,” she added.
At Easy Auto, a fixed monthly revenue is provided to the driver for carrying the digital advertising screen in the autorickshaw and the medical insurance for the driver and all members of his family is covered, Padmasree said.
The autorickshaws will have tamper-proof digital fare metres and digital screen for the entertainment of the commuters inside the autorickshaws.
She further said that Rs 75 would be charged as a one-time registration fee for the commuters and Rs 3 as service charge. “However, initially this service is being offered free of cost without registration fee and service charge,” Padmasree added.

47 per cent rise in cost of Metro work, says Sivasailam

2009-11-21T09:08:00.002+05:30

47 per cent rise in cost of Metro work, says Sivasailam

Special Correspondent
Borewells in Chickpet to be capped during tunnelling operations

Rise in cost: A file photo of the Namma Metro work in progress in the city. The first phase is likely to cost Rs. 12,000 crore.
Bangalore: The first phase of the Namma Metro project is likely to cost about Rs. 12,000 crore when it is completed in 2012, N. Sivasailam, Managing Director, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL), said here on Friday.

Addressing members of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), he said the 47 per cent increase over the sanctioned cost of Rs. 8,170 crore was “not due to time overruns”.

While the BMRCL is likely to earn revenue of about Rs. 550 crore annually from Phase 1 of the Namma Metro project, operating costs were likely to be about Rs. 350 to Rs. 450 crore. Only five per cent of the revenue was expected from merchandising at its stations, Mr. Sivasailam said. BMRCL was also likely to provide wi-fi connectivity across its network, he added.

Responding to a question on the disruption of water supply to residents when the BMRCL commences tunnelling operations, Mr. Sivasailam admitted that borewells in Chickpet might “need to be capped” during the operation. The BMRCL had “made alternative arrangements” with the BWSSB for supply of water to the residents. Water may not be potable for about three months after tunnelling was completed in the area, he warned. On fears about disruption of life after the start of tunnelling, Mr. Sivasailam said: “You will not even know it when it happens.” Admitting that the BMRCL Board found some of the quotations for contracts higher than normal, Mr. Sivasailam said that “unbundling” the contracts might result in lower costs. Referring to the increase in the cost of inputs, Mr. Sivasailam pointed out that while steel prices had increased by over threefold since the Detailed Project Report was finalised, the cost of cement had doubled since then.

Fountains, pools, and more for JP Park

2009-11-21T09:08:00.001+05:30

Fountains, pools, and more for JP Park

Express News ServiceFirst Published : 21 Nov 2009 07:37:33 AM IST
BANGALORE: The Garden City has of late been on the receiving end as far as taking care of its parks goes. But this announcement could redeem some of the negative image.
JP Park, one of the largest parks in the city, is to soon become the first park to get international standard infrastructure. The park is to get a swimming pool, fountains, illumination and other modern features. Rajarajeshwarinagar MLA M Srinivas announced this on Friday.
He was speaking after the foundation stone laying ceremony for the housing project for SC/ST beneficiaries at Akyappa Garden in B Ramaiaha colony.
Around 426 houses would be constructed for the beneficiaries under this project by the BBMP and the houses will be ready within March next year, said Srinivas.The approximate cost alloted for the housing project is Rs 1,600 lakh.
The development work in the park would begin by December 5, 2009, he added.