The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) proposed to be set up at Gambheeram is likely to displace the scientific driving track of the Road Transport Authority. The RTA was given the 24-acre site five years ago to cope with the exponential increase in the number of motor vehicles in the city.
The facility has six tracks, on which driving test for motorcycles and Light Motor Vehicles (cars) are undertaken.
A separate track, exclusively for Heavy Motor Vehicles, was also developed three years ago.
However, there was some delay in utilising the facility in the absence of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) connectivity between the RTA Office at Madhavadhara and the Gambeeram track.
The track had become fully operational last year after the BSNL successfully completed the OFC work in 2013.
The levelled land and the tracks have attracted the IIM representatives. They are said to eyeing it, along with the adjacent site allotted to the IIM.
“The site amidst hillocks was allotted to our department in 2005. We had levelled and developed it with funds sourced from not only the State government but also philanthropists. We had spent Rs.10 crore on levelling, establishment of the scientific driving track, FC (Fitness Certificate) issuing station, and a Seizure Yard (to keep seized vehicles),” Deputy Transport Commissioner G. Krishnaiah told The Hindu .
“The government had promised to provide another five acres to set up an International Driving Track. I have approached the District Collector on the issue. He concurs with our view, but wants us to get a representation from the Transport Commissioner. We are not against establishment of the IIM as it is very much needed to put the city in the elite bracket. But it should not be at the cost of the driving track developed by the government,” he said.
