In a decisive move to break the long-standing deadlock over the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has issued clear instructions to the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA). He has directed the authority to deposit the compensation amount for the acquired land in court and proceed with the acquisition process for the crucial infrastructure project.
Clear Instructions to Unblock Stalled Project
Deputy CM Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, chaired a high-level meeting with BDA officials to review the progress of the PRR. The project, envisioned to decongest Bengaluru's traffic, has been stalled for years primarily due to disputes over land acquisition and compensation.
Shivakumar emphasized the urgency of moving forward. He instructed the BDA to calculate the final compensation amounts as per the existing guidelines and deposit the funds in court. This step is seen as a legal recourse to allow the acquisition process to continue even if some landowners are disputing the awards or are unreachable.
Addressing Landowner Concerns and Legal Hurdles
The directive aims to address a major bottleneck. Many landowners have been reluctant to part with their land due to dissatisfaction with the compensation rates, leading to numerous legal challenges. By depositing the compensation in court, the BDA can fulfill its legal obligation, allowing the project to advance while the courts settle individual disputes.
The proposed 65-meter wide, 74-kilometer long Peripheral Ring Road is designed to connect Tumakuru Road with Hosur Road, forming a major corridor around Bengaluru. It is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city's core areas and boost economic activity in the peripheral regions.
Focus on Timely Implementation and Transparency
During the review, Shivakumar stressed the need for transparency and efficiency. He asked officials to ensure all procedures are followed meticulously to avoid further delays. The government is keen on demonstrating progress on this landmark project, which has been in the planning stages for nearly two decades.
This intervention by the Deputy CM signals a renewed push from the state government to get the PRR off the drawing board and into the construction phase. The move is likely to be welcomed by citizens and industries alike, who have long awaited relief from Bengaluru's chronic traffic woes.
The BDA is now expected to expedite the necessary paperwork and financial arrangements to comply with the minister's directive, potentially marking a turning point for one of Bengaluru's most anticipated infrastructure projects.
