June 8: June 8: Land acquisition for road widening has been one of the biggest challenges faced by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). But BBMP commissioner Bharat Lal Meena has virtually pulled off the impossible by striking a deal with the Mysore royal family to part with their land near Palace Grounds for road widening.

The land on Bellary and Jayamahal Road belongs to Srikantadatta Wodeyar, his sisters Meenakshi Devi, Kamakshi Devi, Vishalakshi Devi, Gayatri Devi, Indrakshi Devi and contractor Chandrashekar Raju.

The widening of this road will ensure a smooth and signal free flow of vehicles towards the BIA and Cantonment. “Since the roads see huge traffic, they will be widened to 150 feet. The road between the BDA junction to Mekhri Circle stretching about 1.5 km and between Mekhri Circle to Cantonment stretching about 2.8 km will also be widened through the Transferable Development Rights (TDR).

Of the 16 acres, Wodeyar will be parting with 9.33 acres. As the dispute between the government and the erstwhile royal family was pending before the Supreme Court, the land has been acquired on three conditions — the land loser will get permission to display 150 hoardings, BBMP will build a 14-feet high wall for security reasons and the TDR. The TDR for the surrendered land will be given subject to the SC verdict.