Flyover, 24X7 water project takeoff too getting delayed

The inordinate delay seems to be a permanent feature with regard to the launch or implementation of any mega project in the commercial hub of North Karnataka region. 

After the delay in Rs 900 crore Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and Rs 1,662 crore 'Smart City' project implementation, now it seems to be the turn of 24X7 water supply project to cover all wards in the twin cities, and construction of flyovers at Chennamma Circle in Hubbali and Jubilee Circle in Dharwad. They are facing hiccups in the take-off itself.

When the dispute between the contractor and the government which could not be resolved through the arbitration has caused a delay for the implementation of Rs 763 crore 24X7 water supply project, the flyover scheme is still in the stage of planning due to less availability of funds. Though efforts are going on to resolve the issues, it will take much time to get the works started.

Hubballi flyover first

After the failures of initial efforts for nearly one decade, the dream to have a flyover at the busy Chenamma Circle in Hubballi got stronger, after Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari Announced Rs 300 crore for the junction management of Chennamma Circle in Hubballi and Jubilee Circle in Dharwad, around two years back.

As the DPR prepared crossed Rs 1,200, Gadkari asked it bring down to around 700 crore. Now, DPR is prepared in phases, by Mumbai-based Spectrum Techno Consultants Private Limited, and the first phase of Rs 315 crore DPR is being submitted through the State Government.

"After the DPR reaches the Centre, we will discuss with Gadkari and get it approved. In the first phase, flyover from Hosur to Lamington Road via Chennamma Circle would be take up. Flyover from Bankapur Chowk and Club Road would be taken up in the second phase. Flyover at Jubilee Circle in Dharwad would be take up in the third phase," MLA Jagadish Shettar said.

24X7 water supply

For Rs 763 crore 24X7 water supply project (third phase), startup period of one year for the operator (Ranhill consortium) was extended, but the operator wanted an extension of execution period from three years to five years, and nearly Rs 300 crore escalation cost additionally. The government did not agree, and the issue could not be resolved through arbitration. Now, the decision has to be taken by the government itself.

"As per my information, the tender is likely to be cancelled, and I have asked the chief secretary to call fresh tenders fast or to continue to the old agency, to start the work fast. We will not allow the funds to get shifted to other cities, but there may be some delay in the implementation," MLA Jagadish Shettar added.