Bengaluru: Ahead of its budget, BBMP has sought a financial assistance of Rs 3,300 crore from the state government to implement a slew of infrastructure works across the city. With the assembly election just a year ahead, the state government too cannot ignore this request.
The BBMP wants to use the funds to build signal free corridors (SFC), use LED lamps for street lights, a super-specialty hospital and a sports complex. These plans will be incorporated in the BBMP budget.
In an attempt to improve traffic flow in the city, about 70 signal free corridors will be implemented and the survey for identification of roads and cost is being done. According to a rough estimate the SFC is likely to cost Rs 1,000 crore. The BBMP has already taken up work for five SFC, sources said.
There has been a complaint of crimes and accidents due to the poor street lighting and the BBMP plans to replace them with LED lamps. It would prevent crimes and help motorists and pedestrians during night, sources added.
BBMP also hopes save around 40 per cent on its electricity bills by installing LED lamps. It currently pays around Rs 75 lakh a month for street lighting. The city currently has 4,52,900 street lamps and they will be replaced with LED lamps in a phased manner.
Although there have been complaints regarding the functioning of BBMP hospitals, they have been of great help in catering to the needs of people from economically weaker sections. A super specialty hospital and a sports complex will be built to benefit city residents, sources added.
The BBMP officials have prepared a draft budget with Rs 10,300 crore and the BBMP standing committee on Taxation and Finance is likely to increase it to over Rs. 12,000 crore.
Last year, the BBMP had sought a financial assistance of Rs 5,000 crore for white topping, lake development, TenderSure roads and footpath development. The state government had announced Rs. 7,300 crore spread over two years.
