Karnataka to take up Rs 200 cr road development programme

The Karnataka government has decided to launch a new road development programme with an investment of Rs 200 crore, Minister for Public Works C M Udasi said today.    

Under the "Survarna Road Development" project, targeted to be completed by this year end, roads in 200 assembly segements across the state would be granted funds ranging from Rs 80 lakh to Rs one crore for developing them, he told reporters.

Roads recommended by MLAs in their respective constituencies would be developed, he added.    

The government had decided to release Rs 230 crore for development of roads in 114 backward taluks and another Rs 250 crore to fill up pot holes, he said.    

Udasi rejected an allegation by JDS leader H D Revanna that the government had failed to utilise Rs 800 crore World Bank loan secured for development of roads.   

"In fact, the World Bank is yet to sanction the Rs 3,411 crore loan sought by the state. There is a delay in getting the approval."

Udasi added the government awaited the Lokayukta probe report into the allegations of irregularities that had taken place in awarding Hassan ring road project and recruitment of engineers during the tenure of Revanna as PWD minister.