Pothole-free Bengaluru by April, says KJ George

Bengaluru: Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George has assured that by April next year the city would be free from bumpy rides and pothole ridden roads. With the assembly elections scheduled for next year, the government is eager to improve its sagging image by providing motorable roads, high rise median, bus bays, signages, footpaths and lure urban voters.

The recent flooding caused due to blocked storm water drains and the death of several people owning to killer potholes had severely affected its image. Addressing reporters after reviewing ongoing developmental works in the city, Mr George said, “Of the 1,400 km major roads, works orders have already been issued to asphalt 500-km stretch of roads with proper drains and footpaths along its length.”

In addition over 100 km of road will be white topped in the city and works have already begun. They would be completed by April, he said and added that “White topped roads are the future. In a gradual manner all roads in the city at an average of 200-300 km roads every year will be white topped.”

Signal-free corridors
Commenting about the progress of signal free corridor on Old Airport Road, Mr George said, “Signal free corridor work on Old Airport Road got delayed as we had land acquisition issues on the stretch. During the review meeting we got to know that the people weren’t willing to give up land for the project near Hope Farm junction.”

Chief minister Siddaramaiah has directed officials to issue notification and acquire lands under the emergency clauses of the Land Acquisition law and complete the project soon, he said. Old Madras Road, Old Airport Road and Bellary Road have been identified as High Density Corridors. These roads will have street lights, high rise median, bus bays, signages and foothpaths, Mr George said. The Minister asserted that by April the whole image of Bengaluru city will be improve, as majority of works would be completed by this time.

Indira Canteens
Regarding Indira canteens, Mr George said that every since its inauguration it has so far served food to 93.12 lakh people. At present we have 141 canteens running and 16 are ready for inauguration. Some are under construction and in some wards they are looking for suitable land. In 18 wards till we find suitable location, food will be served through mobile canteens, he said.

96% potholes filled: BBMP chief
In the review meeting, BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad claimed that over 96 percent of potholes in the city have been filled. As per the new deadline all potholes should be filled by November 6. Chief minister Siddaramaiah is set to tour the city and if any pothole is found, the zone chief engineer concerned and other engineers will be held responsible and suspended, Mr George said.

Hennur flyover in 2 months
Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George defended his son Rana George move to seek permission to drive his personal car in Karnataka forests.
Inspecting the long pending Hennur flyover on Thursday, Mr George said that Rana has been member of wildlife board and the members were authorized to use their personal vehicles in the forest. Now, he has sought permission through a letter.

As for the flyover he said it was taken up at a cost of Rs 128 crore and should have been completed in 2011. It has been delayed owing to technical issues and would be completed in the next two months, he assured. The work was delayed as the temple authorities sought time to shift the main idol and land acquisition issues too were responsible for the delay, Mr George added. The president of Veeranjaneya temple said the flyover work should be completed without disturbing the sacred anthill at the sanctum sanatorium.