Bengaluru, Nov 5 (PTI ) The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved various projects worth a total of Rs 20,000 crore under the Public Works Department for the development of state highways, major district roads and construction of bridges.
The cabinet also decided to hold the state legislative session from December 2 to December 11. In keeping with the convention, the session is likely to take place in Belagavi.
In the previous meeting, the cabinet had decided to hold the session from November 30, but on Thursday it decided to start it from December 2.
Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Eshwar Khandre said that under State Highway Development Project Phase-5, Package-2, roads covering a total length of 1,897 km will be developed.
Under Appendix-E, road, bridge and building works in various Assembly constituencies will be undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 6,000 crore. Road development works will also be taken up with an additional allocation of Rs 3,000 crore, the Minister explained.
According to him, a new project has been approved to develop around 3,986 km of roads connecting one district headquarters with another, district headquarters to taluk headquarters and one taluk headquarters to another, at a cost of Rs 6,000 crore.
The Cabinet also granted administrative approval for a revised estimated expenditure of Rs 3,409.02 crore to the Karnataka Road Development Corporation for taking up road development works around Bengaluru in 10 contract packages.
According to the minister, the work will be taken up through the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL).
The minister said in 2017, approval was given to develop 155 km of roads around Bengaluru under the EPC model at a cost of Rs 2,095 crore. The development works commenced in 2019. Of the revised road development project covering 142.27 km, 121.78 km has already been completed.
The project will help reduce traffic congestion in Bengaluru city and its surrounding areas and strengthen the city’s road network.
To a question regarding raising a loan for Rs 6,000 crore road works, the minister said one component will be funded through the Asian Development Bank.
When asked about the financial implications of these projects, the minister said the allocations are being made with the approval of the Finance Department.
“This means we have assessed the financial resources required and made the necessary arrangements. We have decided to implement these projects transparently,” Khandre clarified.
He also underlined that the state’s financial position is sound.
“Revenue collection is happening in line with our expectations. Whether it is GST collections or other sources of income, officials across all departments are doing a good job of collecting revenue,” the minister emphasised.
He added that the government will implement, over the next two financial years, whatever announcements have been made.
“We are allocating Rs 20,000 crore to the Public Works Department for road development. We are also providing Rs 6,000 crore for the development of roads in Bengaluru and other areas,” Khandre pointed out. PTI GMS GMS ADB
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