Bangalore: Members of various resident welfare associations have demanded that the GKVK road connecting Bangalore International Airport (BIA) and Bellary Road, which runs through GKVK campus, should not be closed but should be developed as it saves a lot of time during traffic congestion.
During an inspection by the Major Public Works StanÂding Committee chairman B. Somashekar on Monday, residents of Kodigehalli, VidyarÂanyapura, Thindlu and surrounding villages demanded that BBMP take action and ensure the road is not closed. BytaraÂyanÂapura constituency MLA and agriculture minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who held a public hearing in Vidyaranyapura, assured them that the demand would be looked into.
According to the BBMP, in 2009, the agency had acquiÂred 25 acres of land to lay the road. However, GKVK said that the road mentioned in the comprehensive development plan (CDP) would divide the campus and suggested that the road be laid on the edge of the campus. With this, the 100 feet road was reduÂced to 80 feet and the agency fell short of 12 acres to complete the project.
Mr Somshekar said, “Now, GKVK has refused to allow further road widening work citing security concerns and has demanded that the road be closed. If this happens, thousands of commuters will be affected. Commuters say that interior roads are congested during peak hours and the road via Vidyarayanapura is a detour. The linking road also leads them to highways.”
The GKVK claimed that a High Court order (dated March 30, 2013) directed the BBMP to return the land to them. Mr Byregowda said, “The GKVK has acquired thousands of acres of land from villagers and is also in possession of gomala land.
The road connects to the surrounding eight villages, and if it is closed, thousands will be left in the lurch. Since I am the agriculture minister, I cannot take sides. The BBMP has spent Rs 17.04 crore on the road which is not serving the purpose. The report will be reviewed and the matter will be discussed with the officials concerned.”
