BENGALURU NEWS: Bengaluru is moving ahead with plans for its longest flyover, with Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-SMILE) inviting bids for a 28-km elevated corridor between Mathikere Cross in Yeshwantpur
and Tin Factory Junction in KR Puram.
The proposed corridor will run through several key parts of the city, including IISc, Mehkri Circle, Jayamahal Road, St John’s Church Road and Ulsoor Lake. B-SMILE is taking up the project under the build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) model, under which a private concessionaire will construct and operate the infrastructure before transferring it as stipulated in the agreement.
Commuters To Pay Toll For 30 Years
According to a report in Deccan Herald, the company selected through the tender process will have the right to collect toll from vehicles using the elevated corridor for 30 years. The project has been estimated at Rs 3,536.89 crore. Of this, 40% will be provided by the government as viability gap funding.
The toll rates will be determined in line with government notifications, according to B-SMILE officials.
BS Prahlad, Director (Technical), B-SMILE, said the elevated corridor was necessary to expand Bengaluru’s road capacity as the number of vehicles continues to rise. “We need to increase the area of our road network to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles. Hence, construction of elevated corridors is important,” Prahlad said.
He said the BOOT arrangement would also ensure that the private operator has an incentive to maintain the flyover properly and keep it convenient for commuters. “This model will also ensure that the contractor maintains the quality of the flyover and makes it convenient for people. Owing to the convenience it provides, a user fee will be levied in accordance with the government’s notifications,” he added.
28-Km Corridor Part Of 11 Traffic Projects
The Yeshwantpur-KR Puram elevated corridor is one of 11 projects planned to tackle Bengaluru’s growing traffic congestion.
B-SMILE is also expected to invite bids shortly for another tolled elevated corridor. The proposed 18.5-km flyover will connect Marenahalli Main Road at Ragigudda Junction with Kanakapura Main Road at Thalaghattapura Junction.
Together, the projects are intended to add road capacity and provide elevated alternatives along some of the city’s busiest routes.
Nine Projects Already Awarded Under EPC Model
B-SMILE has already awarded tenders for nine other projects that will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model.
Unlike the BOOT arrangement proposed for the 28-km corridor, the government will bear the entire cost of projects taken up under the EPC model. The selected contractors will be responsible for procuring materials and carrying out the construction.
The Yeshwantpur-KR Puram project therefore follows a different funding and operating structure, with the concessionaire expected to recover its investment through toll collection during the 30-year concession period.
The proposed flyover is aimed at easing traffic on one of Bengaluru’s busiest stretches by expanding the city’s road capacity through an elevated route.
