KRDCL plans ‘pitstops’ on highways
Published: 22nd August 2012 10:58 AM | Last Updated: 22nd August 2012 10:58 AM | A+A A-
Soon, restaurants and rest rooms will be seen on state highways said Managing Director of Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) B H Anil Kumar on Tuesday. He added that these amenities will be incorporated in the tendering process through PPP models.
Addressing a gathering of Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Industry and Commerce (FKCCI) members, Anil Kumar said this would add to the revenue streams for contractors and a welcome change for builders and commuters.
Speaking on new developments in KRDCL, he said a Planning and Road Asset Management Centre had been set up in order to develop policies on road safety, information technology and training.
“We expect PRAMC to track the budgetary allocation and implement timeneed based programmes. Funds are being diverted to places where they are not needed currently.
PRAMC will ensure that funds are being used where necessary programmes,” Kumar said.
Speaking about the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR), Kumar said KRDCL had identified land between Dobbaspete and Hoskote and work would be taken up soon in this area.
“The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is ready for the stretch between Magadi and Attibele and work will start soon,” he added.
Speaking about Shiradi Ghats, he said a tunnelling project had been proposed by KRDCL but they were unsure if they could get environmental clearance.
“However, the CM’s office, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways have supported the project and hopefully we can get clearance,” he said.
FKCCI demands road funds
Reacting to a demand by Prakash Mandoth, executive chairman, Infrastructure Committee, FKCCI, about allocation of dedicated road funds, Anil Kumar said KRDCL had proposed for it, based on cess collected from various sources like petroleum sales, APMC sales etc.
“The money currently goes into the Consolidated Fund and some percentage of it comes to road development. This percentage varies from year to year. We are trying to get a fixed percentage committed to KRDCL,” he said, adding, “A fixed figure would help us leverage 10 times that amount from the market and carry out extended projects.”
