BMRCL to decide on Metro fare hike, water tariff increase inevitable: DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru, Feb 6 (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said that Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited will decide on the metro fare hike.
He was addressing the media at the BMRCL office after inspecting with the officials concerned.
When asked about the metro fare, he said, "A committee has submitted its report on the metro fare increase. The corporation has already made a decision. I will not meddle in the report’s contents." Further, he said, "A central committee led by a judge has been formed for this. The Karnataka government will not interfere in this." Regarding the water tariff hike, he said, the proposal to increase drinking water tariffs will be placed before the Cabinet.
"It has been 14 years since the last hike. The board is incurring an annual loss of Rs 1,000 crore, making the hike inevitable. BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board) Chairperson Jayaram has already submitted a report, which will be presented to the Cabinet," added Shivakumar.
On electricity tariff hikes, he said, last time, the Karnataka government reduced electricity rates. "But the media never highlights that. They only report on price increases," he said.
The Deputy CM also said measures to address Bengaluru’s traffic congestion, including constructing double-decker roads along new metro routes and city beautication, have been approved.
"All new metro routes will have double-decker infrastructure, covering about 40 km. We are planning for the next 30-40 years. Costs will be shared 50:50 between BBMP and BMRCL," Shivakumar added.
According to him, the additional expense for double-deckers is Rs 9,800 crore. "A pilot project in Ragigudda was successful, but further improvements are needed," he said.
Shivakumar added future metro stations must have adequate parking facilities.
"Currently, people park vehicles on roadsides and private properties to use the metro. We have directed officials to address this. For Phase 3 metro routes, double-decker infrastructure is mandatory. Road widening is becoming difficult due to rising land acquisition costs," he said.
He also stressed that under the Brand Bengaluru initiative, BBMP and BMRCL must collaborate on city beautication.
"Metro pillars will be used for advertisements, with revenue shared equally between the two agencies," he added.
He said to ease traffic on the Tumakuru-KR Puram Road, BDA, Metro, and BBMP will jointly build an underpass, funded by BDA.
According to him, discussions on Bengaluru development and irrigation department funds will be submitted to the Chief Minister on Friday.
Regarding the Greater Bengaluru announcement in the budget, Shivakumar said, "The Cabinet has approved creating a township near Bidadi. Public suggestions and MLA opinions are being collected. Media input will also be sought."
Regarding the proposed second airport, he said, "Discussions are ongoing. A report will be submitted to the CM and me, followed by consultations with the Airport Authority." When asked if the second airport would be near Bidadi, he replied, "I have no information." On the Greater Bengaluru Authority Bill, he said, "A joint House committee is reviewing it. The Bill is already tabled, and the media can debate it."
Addressing opposition to tunnel roads, he said, "Criticism is inevitable. Critics fade, but work remains."
On Bengaluru’s 17 lakh unauthorised properties, he said, "25 lakh property records are ready, with 7 lakh pending. A system is in place to address this, but details cannot be disclosed yet."
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M'luru: School physical education teacher’s body found under mysterious circumstances in well
Ullal: The body of a 51-year-old physical education teacher was found in a well at his residence in Kondana, under the limits of Kotekar town, on Friday evening.
The deceased has been identified as Prabhakar Jogi, who was serving as a physical education teacher at the Government School in Kallarakodi, Naringana village. Police suspect that he may have died by suicide, allegedly due to health-related issues.
According to police, Prabhakar had dropped his daughter at Uchila School earlier in the day for the school anniversary programme and returned home.
He was later preparing to attend the same event along with his wife and son, when he suddenly went missing. A search was launched by family members, following which his body was found in the well located at his house.
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Police said that Prabhakar Jogi was reportedly suffering from a neurological disorder. He had served in several schools across Ullal taluk and was actively involved in organisations of physical education teachers.
Ullal police visited the spot, conducted an inspection and sent the body for post-mortem examination.
In his complaint to the police, Prabhakar’s son, Sai Tejas, stated that his father had jumped into the well and that there was no suspicion surrounding the death.
Based on the complaint, a case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
