Deccan Herald                 29.05.2013

BDA gives red signal to elevated corridor project

The financial crisis in the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has hit infrastructure projects planned in the City.

The
much-hyped elevated corridor project, termed as the ‘golden
quadrilateral’ and consisting of four stretches, has been shelved by the
BDA on account of dire financial constraints.

The previous BJP government had promoted the project as a means to rid Bangalore of traffic snarls and congestion.

Over
the past few months, with controversies surrounding the formation of
the Kempegowda Layout, the BDA re-evaluated its financial position and
decided that it will not be able to take up the projects. The BDA was
hoping to generate huge funds from the sale of sites and apartments, to
be formed at Kempegowda Layout.

In the meantime, the BDA explored
the possibility of entrusting the project to a French-based company,
which was ready to invest in it. However, sources said the talks in this
regard appear to have fallen through. Sources said BDA was walking on a
tightrope, with all avenues for generating revenue drying up and
formation of layouts stalled due to land acquisition problems.

“We
are in no position to take up the elevated corridors. The previous
government had asked us to take up the project with our own funds.
However, our financial position does not permit us to do so,” said
BDA Commissioner T Sham Bhatt.

The commissioner said they had asked the State government to release a minimum of Rs 800 crore for the elevated corridors.

“The
letter was sent to the previous government. However, with the change of
regime, we are expecting a positive response,” said Bhatt.

In
the budget for 2013-14, former chief minister Jagadish Shettar had
announced the proposal to take up the golden quadrilateral project.

The
BDA had initially banked on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model
for funding the 25-kilometre project. However, with the ‘practical’
problem of the inability to toll roads within City limits, it was
decided that BDA would itself construct the entire stretch.

The
first two sections of the elevated stretch were to connect Hebbal with
Mekhri Circle and Mekhri Circle with Golf Course Road. The quadrilateral
was planned to connect Hebbal-BRV Ground-Hennur-Central Silk
Board–Lalbagh-Chickpet-Sirsi Circle. The total cost of the project is
estimated to be Rs 5,800 crore.