Elevated roads: BDA looks for State, JnNURM funds

Drops plans to take up project under PPP model

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has decided not to take up the proposed ‘golden quadrilateral’ project to construct 25-kilometres of elevated road in the City under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as planned earlier.

In the budget 2013-14, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar had announced the proposal to take up the golden quadrilateral project to reduce traffic snarls in the City.

The BDA fears that it might be forced to levy toll on these roads if the project is taken up under the PPP model. As collecting toll on roads within in the City limits is not a viable option, the BDA has decided to do away with the PPP model and instead look for funds from the State government and the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM).

Sources in the government said that huge funds are required for the 25-kilometer elevated corridor which would link Hebbal-BRV ground-Hennur- Central Silk Board –Lalbagh-Chickpet -Sirsi Circle.

According to an estimate prepared by the Infrastructure Development department, under the PPP model it would cost Rs 5,800 crore for the four corridors.

Skyrocketing prices

Sources said that with the land value in the City skyrocketing, the estimates are likely to shoot up.

“We are estimating that the projects will require no less than Rs 300 crore for every kilometer of elevated stretch,” said a BDA official.

A France-based company has shown willingness to work as an advisor for the project. At a meeting between the State government and the BDA held last week, it was suggested that the French company could be involved  in the project, if JnNURM funding is available.

It is also likely that there may be changes in the alignments of the corridors, sources said.
As part of the golden quadrilateral, the BDA is already preparing the detailed project reports (DPR) for the construction of two elevated road stretches from Hebbal to Mekhri Circle and from Mekhri Circle to Golf Course.

BDA Commissioner T Sham Bhatt said: “We are currently sorting out the funding issues. It is likely that the State government will fund the project. The DPRs are being prepared.”
It is stated that the two corridors will be eight-kilometres-long. The BDA has to obtain permission from the Railways before taking up the work as the road cuts above a rail line.

“We are expecting the Railways to give us permission on a quid pro quo basis. They require our permission for some of their projects. It should be a smooth sailing once the DPR is ready,” said a BDA official.