Bengaluru: Bengaluru Development Minister K J George said all options were considered before deciding on the steel flyover from Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal.
"The flyover is the only way to solve the mobility issues on this stretch. We have seen what is the result brought in by the ‘magic boxes’ built during BJP's rule. We are all experiencing traffic bottlenecks because of them," said the minister.
Denying allegations that the State government was being adamant about the project, George said, "We are not being adamant. We desire to ensure smooth traffic flow here. It was in our manifesto and it was part of the CM’s budget speech in 2014-15. The project has undergone all the required stages. Again, it is in the High court as well. Now, we will present our side in the court hearing and we will see. We respect the judgment of the High Court."
On allegations that the Congress party had a vested interest in the steel flyover project, he said, "We have no other interest other than people's interest. All the details are on the website. The project is not designed or decided by politicians but experts of BDA."
He claimed the BJP's opposition to the project was politically motivated. “BJP is scared that once we build this flyover and traffic issues reduce, their inability will be exposed," he said.
On JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy’s proposal to build a tunnel instead of steel flyover, George said, "We have looked into the option. It will be highly expensive and not feasible in today's time."
Clarifying about the extension of another 1.8 km, the minister they would calculate the cost of it depending on the technical report which is awaited. Similarly, the toll amount too will be arrived at after the project is completed. He said, "If required, we will take cabinet approval in both the cases."
As for the land acquisitions, George said, "The Golf course is government property. With due process, we will acquire the land for infrastructure projects. As for defence land, recently we had a meeting with the defence minister along with transport minister Ramalinga Reddy and other MPs. Around 30 acres of defence land is required for infrastructure projects in the city. They have asked for alternative land. We have identified land at Anekal. Once cabinet takes the decision on it, it will be handed over to them."
Besides, he said the metro, commuter rail and flyover projects from Diary Circle to Whitefield would also be expedited.