BENGALURU: BBMP is paying Rs 35,000 per kilometre to Canada-based American Road Technology and Solutions Limited (ARTS) company that is filling potholes using Python 5000, an automated pothole filling machine.
In 2013, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched Python which claimed to fill potholes with hot mix in three to ten minutes. This was opposed by councillors cutting across party lines who alleged that these machines cannot fill potholes which are big and deep.
A senior BBMP official said that the company has now given a bill of Rs 15.2 crore, of which BBMP has already paid Rs 5 crore. “The contract was awarded for one year in 2013-14. But the work did not start till 2014-15. The company claims to have filled potholes in 540 kilometres out of 1,940 kms of major roads,” he said.
Congress councillor said that according to the agreement, BBMP has to pay a sum of Rs 15.2 crore to the company. “A sum of Rs 35,000 per kilometre has to be given to the company. What if there are only one or two potholes in that particular stretch. This means BBMP is paying Rs 35,000 per one or two potholes,” he alleged.
This apart, BBMP every year allocates Rs 10 lakh per ward to maintain roads, mainly to fill potholes. “This means Rs 19.8 crore is being spent for the same purpose. Also, BBMP’s major road division spends Rs 6 crore to fill potholes on major roads. Despite spending crores on potholes, no improvements can be seen. People still suffer and fall due to potholes,” said the councillor.
Mayor Wants Probe
Now Mayor Manjunath Reddy has urged for Technical Vigilance Cell under Commissioner probe on the Python payment. “We want to know if we are paying in excess,” he said.