In Bangalore, the much-awaited upgrade of roads along the Namma Metro stretch from Anil Kumble Circle on MG Road to Baiyappanahalli could take place very soon. The project cost is estimated at Rs 114 crore. For this, multi-agencies coordinated effort is said to be essential in addition to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL). The upgrade involves a complete overhaul of the roads and underground utilities, installation of permanent UG ducts for storm water, electric cables, sewage, OFCs, dedicated cycle lanes, paved footpaths, and wherever possible, even landscaping.    

Sewage lines, even under the showpiece MG Road are of British era vintage. A top civic agency official cautioned that the work would take at least six months. The complexity of the project, designed to the demanding Tender SURE (Specifications for Urban Roads Execution) guidelines, had forced the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to urge BMRCL to be the lead agency to call for tenders.    

Contractors had refused to respond to any of the tenders called by BBMP for seven Tender-SURE roads, and the Palike reportedly feared a similar fate for this project too. At the last State High-Powered Committee meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, it was decided that BMRCL could execute the project on behalf of BBMP.    

The estimated total project cost of Rs 114 crore was to be shared between BBMP, BMRCL, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), besides Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).