Work on five mega city projects to start soon

By Afshan Yasmeen

BANGALORE, JULY 3. Work on five mega city projects taken up on a joint venture basis by the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) will start soon. These projects are expected to net a revenue of crores of rupees to the BMP, besides boosting the city's infrastructure.

Private builders, chosen by the BMP through tenders, will be entrusted with each of the projects. The BMP will collect property taxes from the builder for the portion owned by him.

The BMP-owned Johnson Market, the oldest among the BMP market complexes, will soon be converted into a modern commercial complex. The BMP has tied up with Varna Enterprises to develop the market on a 50-50 basis. The BMP will take steps to rehabilitate the shopkeepers at the market. The shops at the new market-cum-office complex will be housed on the ground floor.

As per the agreement, the builder will own a portion of the complex for his use. Besides, an office complex and a portion for the BMP's use will also be built. The BMP will collect property tax from the builder for the portion used by him, the BMP Chief Engineer (Projects), Mr. Ramegowda told The Hindu.

He said the market would be maintained by the builder, and the BMP would sell 50 per cent of the complex space. The idea to sell the markets that were not generating any revenue was one of the BMP's budgetary proposals this year.

The BMP had earned Rs. 27 crores by way of a 40-60 joint venture in the construction of Divyashree Chambers. The BMP sold 40 per cent of the complex space to the builder, Ms/ Shyamraju and Company. It would collect property tax for the portion used by the builder. The project was likely to be completed this year, Mr. Ramegowda said.

Another joint venture project of the BMP was the Chellaram Hospital. The project had been entrusted to Maharaja Builders on a 50-50 basis. The existing hospital would be demolished and a modern one built on the ground floor. It would have a shopping complex and a car parking slot. The complex would have four floors, he said.

The BMP had invited tenders to develop the markets at Sheshadripuram and Malleswaram. Plans for these markets were being prepared, he added.

The BMP workshop on Magrath Road would be developed shortly. Tenders for the project were being scrutinised. The existing workshop would be housed on the ground floor. The cellar would be used for parking vehicles of the BMP. It would have a commercial complex and a car parking slot, he said.

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