Ray of hope for stalled projects.

Harried commuters in Baiyappanahalli and Banaswadi will vouch for the fact that two large infrastructure projects are literally hanging in the air due to inability to acquire defence land. They would be referring to two railway overbridges that have remained incomplete for the past two years and hold up traffic during peak hours.

They are among the 11 infrastructure projects, which have been held up for several years due to hurdles in acquiring defence land.

But in a development that augurs well for the city, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday gave in-principle approval for handing over defence land to these 11 projects. He also sought proposals for nine more projects where acquisition of defence land is necessary.

However, this offer comes with a rider. Union Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda explained, “There is a proposal for the army handing over around 34 acres within the city in return for around 400 acres in rural areas.”

CBD to benefit
Many of the 11 pending projects are in the Central Business District. Once completed, they could reduce traffic snarls as some of them pertain to road widening.

This includes a signal-free corridor and footpath on the Old Airport Road stretch between Trinity Circle and Domlur; widening of the Lower Agaram road near Vivek Nagar; widening Ulsoor Road from Dickenson Road to Kensington Road; widening Victoria Road from Airport Road to D’Souza Circle road; Murphy Road from Kensington Road to Old Madras Road.

“The State cabinet must discuss these projects and send details of the alternate land to the Ministry of Defence. The Minister has assured us that he will look into all proposals and issue relevant orders as soon as possible,” said Mr. Gowda.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy had come with a representation seeking defence land for a new road from Ejipura signal on Intermediate Ring Road to Sarjapura Main Road.

Vox pop

Widening is an immediate solution. But the government should focus on increasing mass transport options

— M.N. Srihari, traffic expert

Defence officials have sought around 400 acres outside the city in return for around 38 acres within city limits

— Ramalinga Reddy, Transport Minister

GFX

Total projects stalled: 11

Land required: 38 acres

Some stalled projects

Widening and up-gradation of Subrato Mukherjee Road from Gangamma Circle to Jalahalli Circle.

New road from Ejipura signal on Inner Ring Road to Sarjapura Main Road.

New projects discussed

# Permission to develop approach road from Koramangala Inner Ring Road to Challaghatta

# 2 acres for burial ground and park at Doddanekkundi.

# Land for bus stop at Marathahalli

‘We will return to school on Saturday’

The decision to let the schools continue has brought relief to thousands of students and parents in the locality.

M. Lakshmi, parent of a ninth standard student of the Kannada medium high school, said, “The school is an integral part of our locality and has provided the foundation for thousands of students. It will help nurture several first generation learners.”

Many teachers are happy that the stand-off also drew attention to the poor infrastructure in the school.

Fazil F., a class five student who was very vocal during the protest on Tuesday, was thrilled that there would no more be trouble in going to school. “We have been given leave and will return to the school on Saturday,” he said.

The Hindu