(Image source from: Hindustantimes.com)
Notorious for its heavy traffic, Bengaluru is trying to ease congestion through a 117-km Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project. The Karnataka state cabinet has given the green light to this long-awaited road project, now named the Bengaluru Business Corridor. The Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) will carry out the project, which is expected to be finished in about two years. While sharing this update, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that this initiative would represent a "historic step" in reducing traffic in the city. "Bengaluru is overwhelmed with traffic. We aim to reduce it. I understand that around 1,900 families will be impacted, but the government is providing more compensation than they expect. This is one of the most significant decisions made by the Karnataka government," he mentioned.
Shivakumar indicated that officials expect a 40 percent decrease in traffic in the city once the corridor opens, as vehicles traveling between highways and industrial areas will avoid the city center. "If some landowners do not agree to sell their land, we will place the compensation money in court and move forward. No land will be removed from the project at any cost," he declared. The project, which was initially estimated to cost Rs 27,000 crore, is now projected to cost under Rs 10,000 crore, as more farmers are choosing land compensation instead of cash payments. To tackle ongoing conflicts related to land acquisition, the government has introduced a new compensation package with five options for affected farmers and landowners:
Cash compensation equal to double the guidance value for urban zones and triple the guidance value for rural zones within 5 km of the city, based on rates from October 2023.
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) worth twice the guidance value, according to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) guidelines.
Larger Floor Area Ratio (FAR/FSI) for use on the remaining land adjoining the project.
For those losing over half an acre in residential districts, the government will offer 40 percent of developed land in nearby layouts.
For developed commercial land, 35 percent of developed plots in a 35-meter commercial area next to the project, with smaller landowners receiving cash payments instead.
Officials stated that the Bengaluru Business Corridor will not only help ease traffic congestion but will also create significant opportunities for commercial and industrial growth, establishing the city as a prominent investment center.
