The state Cabinet has approved the BBMP proposal to upgrade seven important roads in the city’s central business district (CBD) to international standards under the TenderSURE system.
The roads are - Residency Road, Richmond Road, Cunningham Road, Commissariat Road, Museum Road, St Mark’s Road and Vittal Mallya Road. The Cabinet approved a grant of `78 crore for the purpose.
The idea behind TenderSURE (Specification for Urban Road Execution) is to improve accessibility. It will improve the way roads are designed and also the manner in which road improvement works are tendered. Under TenderSURE, contractors are not only required to upgrade roads, but also take care of utilities under the road. Contractors will also be expected to maintain roads for a set period to ensure that quality is maintained.
Under TenderSURE, there are certain specifications that need to be followed. For starters, the road width will have to be uniform.
Footpaths have to be disabled- friendly, civic utilities will be shifted to the side of the road ensuring that roads will not have to be dug up every time there is BWSSB or BESCOM work.
Roads constructed and maintained under TenderSURE will ensure better accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.