If you are working in the industrial units of Peenya or if you are a resident of Malleswaram, here is some good news: The Metro will commence its operations between Peenya and Sampige Road in Malleswaram by December. Governor HR Bhardwaj, in his address to the joint session of state legislature on Monday, said the 11-km northern corridor will have 10 stations between Peenya andSampige Road. It would be launched by December 2012 and Phase-1 of Metro would be completed by December 2013.

To ease traffic congestion, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has taken up construction of grade-separators at 12 junctions on the Outer Ring Road from Central Silk Board to Hebbal flyover and up to Tumkur road junction to create a 36-km signal-free corridor.

“Expansion work in the international airport will increase passenger-handling capacity to 17.5 million per annum. Airports in Shimoga, Gulbarga,Bijapur and Hassan are being developed with private participation. Both Gulbarga and Shimoga airports will be operational by July,” said Bhardwaj.

This year, 12 railway projects have been taken up on a cost-sharing basis and to encourage public-private-partnerships, 12 departments will get dedicated transaction advisors before March-end. Bhardwaj said a centre for excellence under Integrated Water Resources Management scheme will be established by reorganising and revamping other institutions. This centre for excellence will help in formulating IWRM principles, which will benefit the farmers.

Citizens’ Charter

Bhardwaj said the Karnataka Guarantee of Services to Citizens Act — also known as Citizens Charter — would be implemented on a pilot basis in four taluks from March 1. The Act would empower citizens through a rights-based approach, enable transparency in administration and curb corruption. During Phase-1, 152 services of 11 departments have been notified for the purpose, which includes one revenue office in BBMP area, added Bhardwaj.

For the first time in the country, urban property ownership records on a GISplatform are being created on a pilot basis in five cities. This will enable property owners to secure authentic records of their properties with geographic reference. Computerization of basic municipal functions has been prioritized in 164 urban local bodies. For better planning, satellite imagery is being used to map 27 urban areas, he said.

Source: Tuesday, Jan 31, 2012, Bangalore DNA