MYSORE: The city of Mysore may soon be connected to Bangalore through a high-speed rail corridor, a six-lane national highway and a bicycle track.
The state government has completed a survey on 50 km of the Bangalore-Mysore highway, which is to be developed into a six-lane road. It is now considering laying the first-ever dedicated bicycle track by the 123-km stretch.
The government is keen to experiment on this road as it links many tourist destinations. According to sources, the proposal has gained favour with leaders and authorities working on land acquisition for the project.
A senior official told Express that a minimum of 500 acres is needed to expand the road. Public Works Department Minister H C Mahadevappa said the bicycle track will pass through Bidai, Ramanagaram, Channapatana, Maddur, Mandya and Srirangapatna.
“Though 123 km is a long stretch to pedal, there will be facilities like rest rooms and eateries along the route,” he said. “When China can create awareness and encourage cycle culture among the young and the old, why can’t we?”
Mahadevappa said a final decision on this will be taken soon and the Centre and
the National Highways Authority of India would be notified. The minister said the government has also taken up expansion of the runway at Mysore airport at the cost of Rs 4,000 crore. .
He said these works would make Mysore a city with great connectivity and benefit tourism and industry, apart from attracting investments.