Hope at last for road-challenged Kolar

Rs 10-cr to be spent for developing 20 roads; But residents doubtful of implementation

The dilapidated, overcrowded, poorly maintained roads make one wonder if the district is the food-supplying hinterland for the city that is synonymous with outsourcing.

But, there is a sliver of hope. The City Municipal Council has finally decided to utilise the Rs 10 crore sanctioned in 2006 under the Karnataka Municipal Reforms Project (KMRP) to develop roads in the district centre.

After four years, there is now a clear plan for utilising the funds to develop 20 roads, 12 slums and drains. However, there are worse roads in Kolar compared to the 20 identified. But CMC members defend their choice saying the roads were identified four years ago and that roads where underground drainage works are being carried out have been excluded from the list. Residents, however, are not ready to buy that argument.

The roads

Among the roads identified for developing are: Gandhinagar 1st and 2nd main roads; Kanakapalya 5th main road; Bamboo Bazaar road; Tekal main road; road between Petechamanahalli hospital to Chowdeshwari temple; road between Veeranjaneya Nagar to Bypass main road; Shahinshah Nagar to Railway gate; Shafishar to Amero industry; Bangalore road to Sardar Basha Conductor road; Darga Mohallah 2nd cross; K G Mohalla main road; Subbareddy Layout 2nd main road; Antaragange road in Muneshwara Nagar to Khadripura; two roads in Karanjikatte; B M Road to the cemetery; Shaadi Mahal to Mother Theresa School; Phoolshah Mohallah 4th main road; and Gauripete S V Mess Road.

While the plans are elaborate, residents have expressed their doubts over the completion of project considering it is said to begin during the rainy season.
Most CMC members do not have complete information about the roads chosen for development. Amid the confusion, some members have urged the CMC to provide them with complete information about the project to oversee the quality of works. The CMC now needs to take steps to ensure transparency in the implementation of the project.
Whether it will, remains to be seen.