CM Basavaraj Bommai to personally supervise Bengaluru's mega projects
Bengaluru, Aug 29: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said he will personally monitor the progress of mega projects in Bengaluru, and will be dedicating the first working hour of his day to supervise them.
"We have got a very big vision for Bengaluru, the greatest challenge is whether we will be capable of keeping up the timeline in implementing the projects. Therefore early planning, perfect planning, as well as perfect implementation of the plan is very important," Bommai said.
Speaking at an event here, he said accountability of all the major projects is more important than anything else. "The first decision that I have taken, as far as Bengaluru is concerned is that I will personally supervise the progress of all mega projects in Bengaluru, from CMO (Chief Minister's office). Within next 20 days my dashboard will be ready, day-to-day updates will be there and I will dedicate my first working hour of the day for supervising the progress of mega projects in Bengaluru," he said.
The mega projects that he will personally supervising include metro, outer ring road, high speed train from international airport to the city centre. Bengaluru International Airport will be unique in the world as it will be connected by metro, sub-urban and high speed trains.
The CM was speaking after inaugurating the extended Purple Line of Bangalore Metro on Mysuru Road here.
Noting that not only the infrastructure, his government also has plans to develop the slums in the city and there by improve the living standard of the people there, Bommai said, "we will have special authority for health infrastructure in the city, and regarding traffic we have decided to work on 12 high-density roads for seamless traffic movement, also seamless signaling with artificial intelligence." The government has plans for all-round development of the city that include core areas under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), about 110 villages that were added to it, and also "showcasing" the Central Business District (CBD).
He said, "Bengaluru has a potential for another 3-4 CBDs- north, east, south and west, this is part of our vision." Observing that Bangalore Metro should increase its potential to carry people, Bommai said, "I have directed Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials to complete the metro works under Phase II by 2024, one year earlier than the present deadline of 2025. They said it is difficult, but I say we have to struggle and overcome that difficulty."
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Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine, Gaza ceasefire, release of hostages in Sunday appeal
Vatican City, May 11 (AP): Pope Leo XIV called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza with the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid in his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff.
“Never again war!” Leo said from the loggia of St Peter's Basilica.
Recalling the end of World War II 80 years ago, Leo quoted Pope Francis in denouncing the number of conflicts ravaging the globe today, saying it was a “third world war in pieces”.
Leo, the first American pope, also noted that Sunday was Mother's Day in many countries and wished all mothers, “including those in heaven” a Happy Mother's Day.
The crowd, filled with marching bands in town for a special Jubilee weekend, erupted in cheers and music as the bells of St Peter's Basilica tolled.
It was the first time that Leo had returned to the loggia since he first appeared to the world from there on Thursday night following his remarkable election as pope, the first from the United States. Then too he delivered a message of peace.
Earlier Sunday, Leo celebrated a private Mass near the tomb of St Peter with head of his Augustinian order, the Rev Alejandro Moral Anton. The Mass occurred in the grottoes underneath St Peter's, the traditional burial place of St Peter, the apostle who is considered the be the first pope.
The area, which is normally open to the public, also contains the tombs of past popes, including Pope Benedict XVI.
Leo on Saturday prayed before the tomb of Pope Francis, located across town at the St Mary Major Basilica.
The 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary was elected 267th pope on Thursday following the April 21 death of Francis.
St Peter's Square was packed with pilgrims, well-wishers and the curious, many holding up flags from their homelands. Leo gave many special groups a shoutout.
