Paul Tucker
Updated on: October 8, 2024 8:04 am GMT
Bengaluru: In a bid to provide relief to landowners affected by the ongoing Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project, the Karnataka state government has taken significant steps to ensure compensation is aligned with the provisions of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act. This decision was made during a state cabinet meeting on Thursday, with an estimated cost for compensation reaching Rs 20,511 crore, translating to approximately Rs 8 crore per acre for those who lose their land. The move grants affected landowners the option to choose compensation through the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) scheme as well.
The PRR project, which aims to reduce traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in the Bengaluru region, involves substantial land acquisition. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) plans to acquire 2,560 acres of land to construct the 73.04-km road. The project has been in the works for several years, with the initial final notification for acquiring 1,810 acres issued back in 2007. Recent efforts have included the acquisition of around 750 acres, which were subject to notification in 2010 but previously quashed. Land acquisition efforts resumed in 2022 as the BDA highlighted the need for infrastructure enhancements, including toll plazas and the integration of major roads.
Updated Land Acquisition Strategy
The government’s revised compensation models come amid criticisms regarding the dramatically reduced guidance value announced earlier this year. While the intention to compensate landowners in accordance with the 2013 Act may appear beneficial, the actual value of compensation under the new guidance could be less appealing. This has raised concerns among property owners about the government’s transparency and commitment to fair compensation practices.
According to the latest update, the government will acquire land extending 100 meters wide around the PRR, with 50 meters allocated for a six-lane main carriageway and the remaining land planned for mixed development, including residential, commercial, and non-residential spaces. This project, now referred to as the Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC), is strategically designed to encircle the city and enhance urban connectivity.
Financial Implications of the PRR Project
The overall cost for the PRR project is pegged at Rs 27,000 crore, with construction and land acquisition costs forming the bulk of the expenditure. The BDA is permitted to finance 75% of this cost through loans from external financial institutions, with the state government covering the remaining expenses through budgetary allocations. The BDA plans to mortgage acquired lands as part of its financial strategy to support this extensive infrastructure project.
In light of this ambitious undertaking, the newly established Bengaluru Business Corridor Ltd will oversee the project’s progress, with plans for a bureaucrat to lead the operations following Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s decision to step down from his previous role. To bolster project implementation, the government has approved hiring 69 temporary staff members, including land acquisition officers, civil engineers, and surveyors.
Project Development Status
The construction of this expansive road network is critical to easing Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion. The design features a robust transportation framework that includes 16 flyovers, 10 overpasses, and 12 underpasses strategically placed to facilitate efficient movement across the city. Moreover, important bridges are planned over several water bodies, such as Chikkatogur Lake, Gunjur Lake, and Jarakabande Lake, to enhance overall connectivity.
As part of their transparency efforts, the BDA has recently issued public notices regarding the acquisition of additional lands, seeking input from residents and property owners. Affected landowners had previously expressed their preferences for compensation under the more favorable terms of the 2013 Act, which provides for three times the market rate, adding complexity to the compensation negotiations. The cabinet will assess the BDA’s proposed compensation structures in upcoming meetings.
Future Directions for the PRR
The PRR, planned to be a greenfield expressway, will feature landscaped green spaces, utilities, underground infrastructure, pedestrian pathways, and bicycle tracks. The design proposes a wide median that could be used for future metro integration as the city’s public transport network expands. Focusing on accommodating urban growth, the PRR not only addresses immediate traffic concerns but also looks to future transit needs.
As the BDA finalizes its plans for the PRR, the project’s completion is expected to have far-reaching implications for Bengaluru’s traffic dynamics and urban development. The estimated timeline for project completion will become clearer as land acquisition processes finalize and construction ramps up. The strategic importance of the PRR can’t be overstated, as it will facilitate better access to key areas within the burgeoning metropolis, ultimately supporting both economic growth and improved quality of life for residents.
Landowners are waiting to hear about how much money they will get and when the project will be finished. People are paying close attention to how the state is handling things to make sure everyone affected by this big construction project is treated fairly.
