Karnataka: Bengaluru infra gets attention from new Congress government

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Bengaluru: Expanded metro connectivity, new flyovers and high-density corridors are among several infrastructure projects the new Congress government in Karnataka has proposed in its first budget for the state capital. These projects are expected to help ease traffic congestion in Bengaluru, which has been dubbed the second slowest city in the world. Managing solid waste accumulated in landfills over the years and addressing the causes of floods in the city are among other focus areas the chief minister outlined in the state budget Friday.

In the budget for fiscal 2023-24, Siddaramaiah allocated Rs 273 crore towards developing 83 km of high-density corridors. Out of the state's share for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, the government plans to release Rs 1,000 crore this year. The central government has released Rs 500 crore till date, while the state has contributed Rs 660 crore.

The budget proposed to expand the green and purple metro lines by 27 kms each by the end of 2024. «In the next three years, we will expand the metro network to 176 km — two-and-a-half times the present network coverage,» the CM said. The government plans to submit a proposal to the Centre to construct a new metro line of 37 km, from Hebbal on the airport side of the city to Sarjapura in the tech belt, at an estimated cost of Rs 15,000 crore.

Slamming the previous administration, he said it was unfortunate that the city's infrastructure continued to crumble and was unable to keep pace with the rising aspirations of the people, due to BJP's lack of commitment, widespread corruption and mismanagement of resources. Apart from mobility issues, the budget focused on waste management issues for the city. «Legacy waste of 97 lakh tons will be