Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Thursday told the Legislative Council that efforts were on to advance the deadline for Namma Metro's operation under the first phase of the project.
Replying to nominated member M.R. Doreswamy during Question Hour, Mr. Yeddyurappa said that as per the original schedule, the first phase was to be operational in December 2010 on a seven-km stretch.
But now, the Government was examining the possibility of advancing this schedule, he said.
But the Chief Minister did not specify the advanced date and also desisted from making any commitment.
To be extended?
He reiterated that the Government had in principle approved preparing of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to extend the metro network from Byappanahalli to Whitefield, Puttenahalli to Anjanapura, Mysore Road to Kengeri, and R.V. Road to Electronics City.
Stretches of roads ruined owing to the ongoing metro works will be repaired after the completion of the project, on which Rs. 2,700 crore had been spent.
Vacant sites
Owners of neglected, unkempt, vacant sites — with overgrown shrubs and uncleared garbage — will now have to pay for their cleaning costs, which will be added to their property tax. The Chief Minister said that it was a matter of concern such a penalty clause had to be introduced as the owners had not responded to the Government's appeal to clean and fence their property.
