Bengaluru White-Topping Works 51% Complete; GBA Chief Sets December Deadline for NDMF Projects
Bengaluru: Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao has directed officials to complete works being undertaken with National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) grants by December, while reviewing major infrastructure projects across the city.
At a virtual meeting on NDMF and World Bank-funded projects, white-topping works and buffer roads, Rao reviewed the progress of ongoing works and instructed officials to expedite pending projects.
Under the NDMF, works worth ₹237.25 crore have been taken up across 20 packages, of which 55% have been completed. Rao directed officials to complete the remaining works by December.
The city has also taken up projects worth ₹2,000 crore with World Bank funding across 16 packages. Stormwater drain development works are under way in 15 packages and overall progress has reached 13%. Officials were directed to accelerate the remaining works and complete them within the stipulated timelines.
White-topping works covering 120.69 km of roads are under way at a total cost of ₹1,700 crore, comprising projects worth ₹800 crore and ₹900 crore. So far, 61.43 km has been completed, taking overall progress to 51%. Rao instructed officials to expedite the balance work.
In stretches identified for white-topping where the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board plans to lay pipelines, Rao directed that pipeline works be taken up on priority and completed before the road works proceed. Officials were also instructed to relocate BESCOM ring main units located on footpaths where required.
For stretches where traffic police permission is required before work can begin, officials were directed to coordinate with the traffic police, secure the necessary approvals and commence work without delay.
Rao also reviewed ongoing buffer road projects and directed officials of the respective city corporations to resolve land acquisition issues. They were asked to immediately submit details of land required for the projects.
Special Commissioner Nitish, City Corporation Commissioner Jagadish, Engineering Division head Dr B.S. Prahlad, Chief Engineers Madesh and Rajesh, executive engineers and other officials attended the meeting.
