Despite Opposition, Karnataka Government To Go Ahead With 95 Km-Long Elevated Corridor For Bengaluru

The Karnataka Government’s ambitious elevated corridor project for the city of Bengaluru is beginning to take concrete shape with the feasibility of the project being discussed at a recent meeting of Government officials. There is a proposal to have 53 exit and entry ramps over the course of the 95 km elevated corridor in a bid to provide seamless multi-modal connectivity.

Officials have discussed the possibilities of having a dedicated bus lane combined with wider pedestrian pathways and cycle tracks. Further, bus stops have also been planned near each entry and exit ramp to facilitate ease in passenger movement. Officials claim that the elevated corridor project will stimulate use of public transport and that all relevant government departments are coordinating in a bid to ensure that the traffic woes of Bengaluru can be addressed.

Concerns however remain around the environmental impact of the project with an estimated 3,500 trees to be felled to make way for the corridor. Also, questions have been raised over the cost of the proposed project with estimates suggesting that costs could be in the region of Rs. 31,000 crores. However, the State Budget has estimated the cost at only Rs. 15,825 crores leading to questions on the financing of this ambitious project. It has been proposed that the project be executed along the Hybrid Annuity model with private parties bearing 60 percent of the construction costs.

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