Bengaluru, Jun 18: Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Thursday said a special grant of Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for the improvement of ward roads in the five city corporations under the GBA.
He said officials have been directed to identify damaged roads, invite short-term tenders and begin repair works immediately.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting on solid waste management within the Greater Bengaluru Authority jurisdiction, he said public expectations have been high since the new government assumed office, and several initiatives have been formulated to meet them.
Bengaluru development minister said that, under the leadership of Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, important decisions have been taken and directions issued for their swift and effective implementation.
“One of the key expectations of Bengaluru residents is the improvement of road conditions. In this regard, excluding major arterial and sub-arterial roads, a special grant of Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for the development of deteriorated ward roads,” Gowda said.
The government has issued orders directing the five city corporations to identify damaged ward roads, prepare cost estimates for asphalt resurfacing, complete the tendering process within a short period and commence work immediately, he added.
The GBA chief commissioner and the commissioners of the five city corporations have been instructed to prepare lists of deteriorated roads within their jurisdictions.
He added, “All necessary procedures should be completed, and work should begin as quickly as possible. Officials have been directed to treat this work as a priority.”
According to the minister, the goal is to complete road estimates and the tendering process within the next two months and finish the works within four to six months.
Taking the monsoon season into account, construction activities will be carried out during dry spells without compromising quality, he said.
Gowda said road resurfacing work would be carried out in coordination with all relevant agencies in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure, and strict measures would be taken to prevent roads from being dug up without prior approval.
The minister said he would personally inspect the road resurfacing works.
Officials have also been instructed to conduct regular inspections, he said, adding that improving road quality remains the government’s priority and that there would be no compromise on quality standards.
