BANGALORE: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced two high-level committees to find a lasting solution for the worsening traffic congestion in Bangalore. One committees will be headed by Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee and the other by Public Works Department Minister H C Mahadevappa.
Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Mahadevappa said he would head the committee comprising Transport, Revenue and Urban Development ministers.
It would look into options like utilisation of latest technology, widening of arterial and connecting roads, introduction of more mass transport systems and motivating public to practise car pooling to ease the traffic. After the study, the committee will submit a report to the government.
Mahadevappa said the committee headed by the chief secretary would consist of top officials.
It would consult experts in urban management and other stakeholders before submitting its report.
He said the Public Works Department has identified as many as 16 radial roads leading to the city.
These would receive special attention for development. “Civic agencies, including BDA, BBMP, BMTC and others would be assigned special responsibilities to address the issue,” he said.
On the cabinet sub-committee constituted to look into decongesting traffic, Bangalore district in-charge Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “I could not attend the first meeting as I was abroad.”
Ban on Piece Works
Replying to questions, Mahadevappa said, “After the RS 600-crore Magadi PWD Road scam, we have put a blanket ban on awarding piece work contract in road-related works.”
Maintenance of Road Network
He said the recent incessant rains have damaged roads across the state, and the government would release RS 500 crore shortly to repair the roads.
“An amount of RS 250 crore each would be released for the south and north divisions of the PWD to take up maintenance of road network,” he said.
Lasting Solution for Shiradi Ghat
The minister further said efforts are being made to find a lasting solution to make an all-weather national highway on the Shiradi Ghat stretch.
Mahadevappa said the survey work for the widening of the Bangalore-Mysore state highway is under way.