BENGALURU : If wider footpaths for pedestrians and smoother rides for motorists are a promise under Tender SURE model, why should city's premier thoroughfare be left behind?



The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is all set to bring MG Road under TenderSURE (specifications for urban road execution) and a detailed project report in this regard is ready.



Speaking to TOI, S Somashekar, chief engineer (road infrastructure), BBMP said the project would be taken up with an estimated cost of Rs 111 crore. "Since MG Road is also a Metro Corridor, the cost of road development will be equally shared by BBMP and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRC). We have submitted the DPR to Namma Metro authorities and are awaiting their reply to go ahead with the project," he added.



Part of the project, the stretch between Queen's Statue Circle to Trinity Junction, will be developed with adequate pedestrian space. Also, there will be streamlining of carriageway, which is spread haphazardly with dangerous dividers in the middle. "Though there was a plan to include MG Road in the initial phase of TenderSURE, it could not be taken up as the Boulevard and other Metro works were on. There won't be any disturbance to the Boulevard and discussions are on to see how parking space along the stretch can be realigned," he added. Senior BMRC officials said they have received the proposal and there has been in-principle approval for the project from both parties.



QUOTE



It's a city symbol



The MG road stretch signifies Bengaluru in many ways. Wherever you go, people associate their memories of the city with the road. Apart from its heritage value, it is a major commercial hub as well. Sadly, it is in a pathetic state now and hardly any tourist can explore it on foot



RK Misra | Urban expert





MAKEOVER FOR MAIN ARTERY



DPR on bringing MG Road under TenderSURE ready



2.2 km is length of stretch



Rs 111cr estimated cost to be shared by BBMP, BMRC:nuts:



BMRC gives in-principle nod





PROJECT SO FAR



BBMP has been sanctioned funds for the development of 12 roads in the CBD so far under TenderSURE project. Under phase 1, seven roads including Vittal Mallya Road, Cunningham Road, St Marks Road, Residency Road, Richmond Road, Museum Road and Commissariat Road are taken up of which ground work is on along five roads. Under phase 2, five roads including Nrupatunga Road, Kempegowda Road, Jayanagar 11th main, Modi Hospital Road and Siddaiah Puranik Road in Basaveshwaranagar have been taken up.