Bussiness Line 21.10.2010
Rs 750-crore infra project proposals sent to Centre
Abhishek Law
Kolkata, Oct. 20
Investments of over Rs 750 crore are expected to be made in infrastructure projects in West Bengal, particularly in Kolkata and the suburbs, if proposals to build several roads, overbridges and flyovers are cleared by the Centre. Proposals have been placed for clearance under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission scheme (JnNURM).
According to a report of the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), the premiere infrastructure development agency in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA), projects worth Rs 1004.26 crore have already been sent to the Centre for approval.
Project proposals
These projects include setting up of treatment plants for water supply and sewerage systems in Sector V, the IT hub of the State, a bus terminus in Kalyani, road overbridges in towns adjoining Kolkata and improved traffic connectivity from Kolkata to adjoining towns.
The projects are expected to ease traffic congestion in several parts of the city and the suburbs. Of the proposals that have been sent, the Centre has so far cleared a proposal for setting up a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass in Kolkata at an estimated cost of Rs 254.91 crore.
Another project that has also been cleared includes the setting up of a storm water drainage project for Kamarhati town at a cost of Rs 68.66 crore.
Some of the important projects that are currently awaiting clearance include the setting up of a Rs 5.14 crore bus terminal at Kalyani, the widening of the Expressway connecting Kalyani and Dum Dum (the city to a nearby suburb), building a new road in Assansol at a cost of Rs 85.74 crore. Construction of flyover at Raja SC Mullick Road in Kolkata at a cost of Rs 114.32 crore has also been proposed.
Similarly, two projects that include setting up of water treatment plants in Sector V in Salt Lake and a water supply scheme for the Rajpur Sonarpur town (adjoining Kolkata) has already been scrapped.
Mr Vivek Bharadwaj, Chief Executive Officer, KMDA, told Business Line: “Proposals worth a few hundred crores have already been sent and are awaiting clearance from the Centre. We will take up the various infrastructure projects once they are cleared.” A senior official of the traffic and transportation department of the KMDA pointed out that the proposals sent have been drawn up under the Comprehensive Mobility Plan study that has been carried out by the KMDA. The study, carried out in 2001 has suggested the various measures that need to be taken for development of infrastructure in the KMA on a long-term basis. According to the study, there will be an expected increase in population at around 46 per cent while the number of motor vehicles used is likely to go up by almost 300 per cent, from 10 lakhs in 2001 to 30 lakhs in 2025. Similarly, the daily passenger transit (people moving in KMA for job purposes) volume will go up by nearly 72 per cent while goods taken into the KMA will go up by 73 per cent. The study has also identified adjoining areas and suburbs, like Kalyani, Barasat and Salt Lake - Rajarhat as the possible trans metro areas with growth potential.
