From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
 
Bangalore, Jun 25: The 140-kms long Mysore-Bangalore highway is proposed to widened into six lanes in view of the high density of traffic on the highway, according to Public Works Minister H C Mahadevappa.

The Minister said traffic volume on the highway was soaring during holidays with nearly 70,000 passenger car units (PCUs) recorded a day.

Talking to reporters, Mahadevappa said he would discuss the issue with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, and take a final decision soon.

The cost and the extent of land acquisition and other related factors will have to be worked out later, he said.

The Bangalore-Mysore road was widened into four-lanes during the Congress government led by S M Krishna and the time has come to think of widening it into six-lanes, he said.

Road Information System would be improved as part of the efforts to provide information to road users and thereby ensure smooth movement of vehicles on state and national highways in the State.

He said PWD officials have been instructed to fill potholes on all type roads during monsoon by calling short tenders.

Asked about excess land given to Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises Limited (NICE), Mahadevappa said he examine all files in detail and take appropriate action.

On the issue of toll collection on roads developed by the World Bank, he said no decision has been taken so far on the issue.

However, maintenance of roads to be given priority and some funds need to be generated for proper maintenance of national and state highways, he said.

Mahadevappa, who is heading a Cabinet sub-committee on formulating sand policy, said that illegal extraction and transportation of sand was commenced in 2006 and the Government will soon come out with a policy to regulate extraction of sand.

He said the committee held one meeting and discussed the issue in det14ail. The new policy would be giving thrust on protection of environment.

Places for sand extraction to be identified and notified. The sand mafia was behind illegal extraction of sand and its transportation in various places, he said.

Referring to legal extraction of sand was required for development of infrastructure and construct quality buildings.

However, excess extraction of sand led to depletion of water level in rivers, he said.

The committee would come out with a set of recommendations.

A new policy would be announced in two-three months, the Minister said.

The minister said there was no substance in allegations made against him and his family regarding the illegal extraction of sand.

“I and family is not involved in sand mining business. I will leave this office if the charge is proved,” Mahadevappa added.