CM Siddaramaiah promises Rs 3,500 crore for Bengaluru city

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken it upon himself to set right infrastructure problems in Bengaluru, and he proved it by going on an extensive inspection of works in the city on Friday. Though Mr Siddaramaiah’s interest in the affairs of the city could be due to the BBMP polls, scheduled to be held in July last week, the city can expect some respite from administration paralysis over the last few months.

He announced that he will spend close to Rs 3,500 crore to improve city’s infrastructure. Not just that, he also promised Bengalureans that he would inspect the progress of works every week. Responding to motorists’ complaints that TenderSure has robbed the city of its motorable space, he instructed the BBMP officials to reduce the width of footpaths in the second phase of the project.

He directed the engineers to ensure that the all the potholes across the city are filled by May-end and to not let the condition of roads deteriorate during monsoons. As Phase 1 of the multi-million project TenderSURE inches  towards completion, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the second phase of the project would incorporate some changes.

Inspecting various infrastructure works in the city on Friday, Mr Siddaramaiah observed that the city did not need such wide footpaths. “I have noticed that works of the Second Phase of the project have begun in Kempegowda Road and a few other areas. The footpaths are too wide and we don't need them to be so broad. I have directed the BBMP officials to reduce the width on those roads, where the works will be taken up next,” he said.

Commenting on the delay in the completion of the project, he blamed the BJP in BBMP for diverting  funds, leading to the delay in the project. “The funds allocated for TenderSURE were  diverted. As a result, the project has been delayed. I have instructed the officials concerned to release the required funds,” he said. Mr Siddaramaiah also said that the state government was gearing up to conduct BBMP elections within three months, as per Supreme Court orders.“We are preparing to hold elections following the Supreme Court directions. We will resubmit the reservation list as directed by the apex court and conduct polls,” he made it clear.

He maintained that his government would trifurcate the city. He also added that nearly Rs 3,500 crore will be allotted to BBMP to take up various infrastructure projects for the development of the city.  While Rs 1,000 crore will be given under Nagarottana funds, Rs. 1,500 crore under budget allocation, an additional Rs 1,000 crore will be allotted to take up drain re-modelling, footpath repair and other works.

On visiting the Oakalipuram Junction, he said that works on the signal free-corridor would begin in another 15 days. “There is a proposal to construct two railway under bridges and an eight-lane signal-free corridor. But due to lack of funds, the project, which was taken up two-and-a-half years ago, has still not kicked off. The cost of the project is estimated at over Rs 300 crore. As of now, the state government has given Rs 150 crore to the Railways, the overall cost of the land required for the project. We will release Rs 70 crore under Nagarottana funds,” he ended.

Motorists, commuters badly hit

The CM, accompanied by district-in-charge minister Ramalinga Reddy and Shanthinagar MLA N.A Harris, inspected Rajajinagar 1st Block following several demands by commuters seeking an underpass near the Metro station junction. When the CM and his convoy blocked the road for inspection, many vehicle users waiting at the signal near the Metro station got restless.

Their frustrations became evident when vehicles waiting on three roads started to honk continuously. Though adequate traffic and law and order police were stationed at the signal, they were unable to control the restless, angry commuters. Hurriedly, the CM had to exit the place. But frustration could be seen on   many faces of Bengalureans who had to wait for hours for the CM and his convoy to pass. Long pile-ups were seen near Race Course Road, Oaklipuram, Mysore Road, K.R Market, J.C Road and Lavelle Road.  

Mr Siddaramaiah, however, justified all this by saying that such inconvenience to the public was inevitable to provide better administration. “I am confident that Bengalureans will co-operate with us during such city rounds. If we have to improve administration, we have to hold inspections and nothing can be done to prevent such inconveniences,” he said. The CM added that he had instructed the BBMP officials to prepare estimates for the construction of the underpass in Rajajinagar 1st Block.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and MLA N.A. Haris talking to patients at  Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru on Friday (Photo: DC)

Patient complains about lack of facilities

While inspecting the city’s infrastructure works, Mr Siddaramaiah also paid a surprise visit to Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Shivajinagar to check the condition of the government hospital. When he enquired about the number of doctors and staff on duty in the hospital, medical superintendent Dr S.I.S Khadri failed to give an accurate reply. On checking the biometric records of the hospital, it came to light that out of 91 non-executive staff, only 51 were present. Out of 85 doctors, 83 were on duty, a registar said. The CM directed the officials to maintain the hygiene of the hospital and renovate the old buildings on the premises.

Though no complaints of bribery or corruption were reported, one Mohan Raj, a resident of Yeshwantpur, complained that the hospital demanded money for all treatment facilities and asked for  a BPL card to provide discounted services. Responding to queries on this, Mr Siddaramaiah said, “The patient belonged to a lower caste and wanted free services. We have directed him to produce the caste certificate and obtain free services.”