74-Km Bangalore Peripheral Ring Road New Plan: BDA To Reduce PRR Width For Commercial Development

The Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project, a 73-kilometre circular road with eight lanes and six service lanes, is set to undergo significant changes. Initially planned as a 100-meter-wide road with provisions for a metro or monorail in the median and a dedicated cyclist lane, the government is now considering reducing the width to between 60 and 75 meters. The remaining space is being earmarked for commercial development, a concept first proposed in 2016.

"We had proposed a 50-year toll collection period when the project cost was estimated at Rs 14,000 crore. With farmers demanding compensation as per the 2013 land acquisition Act, the estimate rose to Rs 27,000 crore. We are considering utilizing the 25-meter space along the PRR for redevelopment," a BDA official explained.

To address compensation issues, the BDA is also contemplating offering land instead of cash to farmers in new layouts. Previously, the authority planned to acquire about 2,000 acres of land beyond Whitefield and Yelahanka for new layouts, but there are concerns that land compensation could delay the PRR's construction significantly.

A government source revealed that the BDA has been instructed to explore different options by examining similar projects in other states. "No decision will be made without the proposal being cleared by the state Cabinet," the source said.

Cost-Saving Strategy: BDA to Divide Peripheral Ring Road into Three Sections

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is struggling to find bidders for the ambitious 74-km Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project proposed in 2007 to decongest the city. The corridor, which is to be renamed as the Bengaluru Business Corridor, is likely to be divided into three segments to attract more companies. This move aims to distribute the project's total cost of Rs 27,000 crore among three firms rather than one single entity.

The proposal and other plans to advance the long-pending project were thoroughly discussed in a recent meeting chaired by Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar, attended by BDA Chairman NA Haris and Commissioner N Jayaram, according to DH reports.

The plan proposes dividing the PRR into three parts: Tumakuru Road to Ballari Road, Ballari Road to Old Madras Road, and Old Madras Road to Hosur Road. Experts suggest that splitting the project will enhance competition and reduce risks.