No new allocation for BDA in budget

The State government, while not allocating any special funds for Bangalore Development Authority, has surely given the agency major tasks to be completed. 

The government, through the budget, has approved the proposal for construction of an elevated corridor from Chalukya Circle (Basaveshwara Circle) to Hebbal Junction at a whopping cost of Rs 1,100 crore. 

This seven-km long, six- lane corridor is a part of international airport connectivity corridor from the City centre. For this,  BDA plans to shift the skywalk near Sofia High school, but this will happen after obtaining clearance from the authorities concerned.Another project which has been approved is the construction of elevated corridor from Alisda (on Outer Ring Road near Yeshwantpur) to BEL Circle at a cost of Rs 191.86 crore under JnNURM. This will be 1.4 km-long six-lane corridor. 

The detailed project report for the proposed corridor is ready. Tenders will be called after the project secures clearance from the government. 

The budget also proposes construction of underpass from Goraguntepalya on Tumkur Road Junction (on NH-4) to Alisda at a cost of Rs 125 crore under JnNURM.

The BDA has requested defence agencies to part with their land for the project and it will go underground even below the Metro line. Work orders have been issued and work on ground is yet to start. 

The BDA will also protect 54 lakes by fencing them. Further, comprehensive development of 39 lakes and plantation programmes will be taken up at a cost of Rs 100 crore. The  BDA will also construct the most-awaited Peripheral Ring Road at a cost of Rs 5,800 crore with JICA’s assistance. Approval from JICA is awaited to begin work on the project.

The budget also promises formation and allotment of 5,000 sites in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout and 8,000 flats across the City. No mention has been made of Arkavathy Layout since the chief minister has already promised allotment of 8,000 sites by March 2014. "

BDA Commissioner T Sham Bhatt said they have been given a handful of works and as assured, they will be completed within the stipulated time.