Whiz down Okalipuram corridor by December, says KJ George

Bengaluru: In an attempt to speed up the works on the much-delayed Okalipuram signal-free corridor, Bengaluru-in-charge minister K.J George announced an incentive to the contractor, if the corridor was completed by December. While inspecting some of the major civil works in Rajajinagar and Mahalakshmi Layout constituencies on Thursday, Mr George said that 28 per cent works were completed on the 8-lane corridor in Okalipuram, for which foundation stone was laid four years ago.

“Works on the corridor began only in June last year and due to some problems with the Railways, the works had been stalled midway. We have now sorted out all the problems and works are in full swing. By December, the corridor will be fully completed,” Mr George said. He further added, “If the contractor completes the work by December, we will give him an incentive. If not, we will levy a penalty.”

Mr George, who later briefed the media about the various works he inspected, said the flyover in Rajajinagar First Block was ready to be thrown open to the public. Commuters were already using the flyover, though it was not officially inaugurated, he added.

Regarding Dr Rajkumar Indoor Stadium in Mahalakshmi Layout, Mr George said that the works on the stadium had started three years ago, but due to lack of funds, it has been stopped from the past two years. “So far, Rs 5.25 crore has been allotted and there is demand for an additional Rs 3 crore. The government has approved Rs 1.5 crore, whereas the mayor should grant Rs 1 crore. The mayor will shortly release the funds,” he said.

Mr George said that the government was taking up infrastructure works across the city at a whopping cost of Rs 1,500 crore including various road works and PWD works. On the sidelines of the event, the minister said that he had received a list of 50 roads which were identified to be developed on the lines of TenderSURE and the government would soon implement the project.

‘Practical budget’
When asked about the upcoming BBMP budget, Mr George said that a practical budget would be presented this year and pre-budget meetings were taking place to finalize it. “We will also include projects that will be taken up on PPP models and ensure that all the major works are given importance. Overall, it will be a practical budget,” he maintained.