Trees to pay toll for flyover in heart of City

Connector linking Sajjan Rao Circle with Anil Kumble Circle on the cards

An ambitious project of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), the 4.4-km-long flyover connecting Sajjan Rao Circle and R V Road with Anil Kumble Circle is still at the planning stage. But the rapid pace at which things are moving in the BDA, the project may take off within a year from now, said sources in the BDA.
Global bidders
The planning authority has invited the Request for Qualification (RFQ) from global bidders. Sources added that the project would come up on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis under Public Private Partnership (PPP), an indication that it would, in all likelihood, be a toll flyover right in the heart of the City. 

A meeting with bidders has been called on July 22.
“Though we haven’t estimated the cost of the project, I believe it would be somewhere between Rs 175 crore and Rs 200 crore,” said a BDA officer.

Once a decision is taken, a detailed project report would be sent to the State government for its approval.
Financial assistance The financial position of the BDA does not allow it to undertake a project of this magnitude on its own. So the Authority will look to the State government and the Central government for assistance.

Besides Sajjan Rao Circle and R V Road, the flyover will likely have a ramp at KR Market and near what was once a boulevard on MG Road.

Only time will tell whether the project will help ease the traffic or lead to a chock-a-block at Anil Kumble Circle.
Project in a nutshell

* 4.4-km flyover from Sajjan Rao Circle to MG Road* To be built on BOT basis under PPP model* BDA invites international bidders for RFQ* Project will lead to cutting of hundreds of trees* The green canopy on 
Kasturba Road in danger
* In all likelihood, it would be a toll flyover* A meeting convened on  July 22