The Hindu : Front Page : Project report for BRTS being prepared

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Sunday, Oct 14, 2007
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Project report for BRTS being prepared

G.V. Prasada Sarma

VISAKHAPATNAM: A detailed project report (DPR) is being readied for the Rs.452 crore Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) proposed to be introduced in two corridors of the city under the Jawaharalal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

The project report covers the entire 43.1 km stretch of the two corridors- from Pendurty and Simhachalam to Dwarakanagar- for which administrative sanction has been accorded. “Earlier, we have submitted draft designs. The detailed project report will cover every inch of the road as the minimum width required is 100 ft. Once it is ready, tenders will be floated, in all probability, in November or December,” Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar Meena told The Hindu. SREI Consultants of Hyderabad is preparing the report in a joint venture with McCormick Rankin International of Canada and CRAPHTS Consultants of Faridabad.

Priority areas

BRTS, along with 100 per cent piped drinking water supply and underground drainage are the three priority areas of the GVMC ‘vision’ under the JNNURM, according to Mr.Meena. For Gajuwaka, a Rs.39 crore scheme for pumping mains, treatment and reservoirs is under way. Another for distribution at an outlay of Rs.46 crores has been sanctioned. The two schemes together envisage piped, metered supply to 52,000 houses and were scheduled for completion in two years, Mr. Meena said. For the 32 gram panchayats merged in the corporation, a Rs.261 crores scheme has been approved by the Technical Committee and awaits the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee.

The underground drainage now covers a mere 25 per cent of the city. Work in the One Town area started. For the central part the underground drainage is estimated to cost Rs. 240 crores. Mr. Meena said the corporation projected coverage under 100 per cent piped water supply and underground drainage in three years. The proposals for raising funds through bonds to provide matching funds for JNNURM would be sent to the State Government. Meanwhile, the corporation had spent about 80 per cent of sanctioned funds- roughly around Rs.25 crores till now and sent utilisation certificates.

It is seeking Rs. 60 crores in the next instalment. It is also putting aside funds every month from its revenues to meet its commitment.

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