'Allow vehicles coming on alternative road to enter airport'.

The alternative road to the Kempegowda International Airport is at a dead end, literally. The road, developed by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) at a cost of Rs. 413 crore, leads straight to the compound of the international airport.

Kacharakanahalli councillor Padmanabha Reddy recently said the 21-km road from Hennur to Bagalur was developed as an alternative route to the airport to reduce pressure on Bellary Road. 'If a gate is opened here, citizens from the eastern and northern parts of the city can easily reach the airport. This route will also reduce their commute by 15-km, one way,' he pointed out.

He alleged that the State government had failed to convince the Airports Authority of India to create a gate and allow vehicles coming on this new road. He also said that as the road was developed only after the State government directed the BBMP, the expenditure should be borne by the government itself. 'Moreover, of the 21-km, nearly 15-km is outside BBMP's limits,' he stated.

Mr. Reddy also alleged that the government was probably bowing to pressure from the toll mafia and were not pressing for another entry to the airport. 'Nearly Rs. 20 crore is collected as toll every month. If the alternative road is opened, then the toll will reduce, as many vehicles may start using the new road,' he added.

He threatened to launch an agitation if the government failed to act on the matter soon.


THE HINDU