BANGALORE: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is known for executing work at a snail’s pace. But this time, it’s gone one step back by inaugurating a project, without even a project plan in hand.The Mayor inaugurated renovation work on Sirsi Circle flyover (better known as the Mysore Road flyover)in August; but two months later, the verification process of the renovation plan submitted by an agency is still on.The City’s first flyover, which is 2.65 km and connects Narasimha Raja (NR) Road and Sirsi Circle on Mysore Road, was opened to public in 1998. It was built by Larsen and Toubro (L & T) company at a cost of `97 crore and it maintained flyover until 2001. After that, gaps between expansion joints on the flyover emerged and with time, the gaps increased further. This inconvenienced the motorists.After 14 years, Palike decided to undertake renovation work. Tender were floated for four times. But, it did not get agencies qualified to give a proper face-lift to the aging flyover.In the meantime, Mayor Sharadamma, along with Deputy Mayor Harish and ruling party leader B R Nanjundappa, initiated the repair work on August 25, 2011.Finally, in the fifth call for tenders, Palike selected Bhopal-based Sanfield India limited company in September to undertake the repair and renovation work. The cost estimation by the contractor to replace expansion joints for 194 meters was pegged at Rs 2.66 crore.In October, Palike authorities were still studying the renovation plan given by the company. “What was the need for the Mayor and her team to start the work when the plan was not even finalised,” a senior official questioned.When questioned about the status of the project, the reply from officials indicated more delay. “Once the Palike gives nod to the company after verification, the company has to place an order to procure single type expansion joints from China. It will take one and half months to get the required materials. Work is expected to start in January 2012,” official added.
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