BDA finalises L&T for steel flyover, awaits govt approval

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has finalised L&T, the lowest bidders, for executing the steel flyover from Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal flyover.

Sources in the BDA told DH that after a series of negotiation meetings with the bidders, the Authority has finalised L&T as its was the lowest bidder. Talks with them to reduce the project cost from the existing Rs 1800 crore have been fruitful. “The file is now before the state government to take a decision,” the sources added.

But none of the BDA officials was willing to comment on reduction in the project cost.
“We cannot comment at this stage. It will take some time for things to get finalised,” the source said while confirming that the cost will be reduced.

The cost of the flyover, when it was first planned during the previous BJP regime was estimated at Rs 1,350 crore. Later, it was increased by Rs 450 crore.

Mahendra Jain, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department said that the “negotiating committee has spoken to the bidder and has sent the file to the state government for approval. The government is examining the details and consulting experts.’’

Steel requirement

The source said the BDA was all set to execute the work immediately. There have been no changes in the project details. They said 55,000 tonnes of steel is needed to build the 6.9-km flyover from Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal flyover. Around 500 trees will be axed to make way for the flyover which aims to ease connectivity to Kempegowda International Airport.

The flyover will have five radial roads from Palace Road, Race Course Road, the Vidhana Soudha, the Raj Bhavan and Millers Road.