Activists protest against the 26,00-crore elevated corridor project

Highlights: The project demands the axing or translocating of 3,700 trees.

BENGALURU: The state government of Karnataka has reiterated its commitment to the Rs 26,000-crore elevated corridor project, by inviting bids for a key section. Even after the citizen activists have red-flagged it.

As per the documents which have been accessed by a source show that, the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL), has invited bids for the construction of 22 km north-south corridor which will be connecting Hebbal flyover and Central Silk Board junction through Mekhri circle, JC Nagar, Shanti Nagar and Bannerghatta Road junction.

At a meeting which was held on February 25, the Karnataka cabinet, had left the responsibility of taking decision regarding the project to the chief minister. Sources have said that, the CM recently gave a go-ahead for the project, due to which bids were invited. “With the Lok Sabha election schedule expected to be announced soon, there’s little chance the project will see any action. However, the CM was keen on floating tenders since the project is seen as one of the government’s flagship projects to address the city’s infrastructure,” a source said.

A KRDCL officer has said that, “Construction period for each package is three years and the company that bags the contract must maintain infrastructure for 10 years. North-south corridor bids will be opened on May 6. Bids for the two east-west corridors and other connecting corridors will be called in the coming months.”

In his budget, the CM had, committed ₹1,000 cr as the initial funding for the project. The north-south corridor will be costing more than ₹5,060 cr. According to many citizen activists the government is not pushing for mass transport systems. As the project demands the axing or translocating of 3,700 trees.