In a significant boost for software professionals and residents of East Bengaluru, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the transfer of 12.34 acres of land to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for the construction of a road linking Lower Agaram to Sarjapur.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced this development at the Vidhana Soudha after discussions with Lieutenant General Basant Kumar Repswal, Commandant of the ASC Centre and College. He noted that the MoD has also given preliminary approval for an additional 10.77 acres. Currently, traveling from MG Road to Bellandur takes approximately an hour, but the new road is expected to reduce this time to just five to eight minutes.

“This initiative will help alleviate traffic congestion in the IT hubs,” Shivakumar stated.

The MoD has expressed its commitment to collaborate with the state government on this project. A tender has been issued for the first phase of construction, which covers 3.5 kilometers at a cost of Rs 35 crore. The release of the remaining 10.77 acres, necessary for new road construction at Trinity Circle and Ejipura, is still pending.

Shivakumar confirmed that the MoD has already transferred the initial 12.34 acres to BBMP. He also expressed gratitude to Lieutenant General Repswal for his cooperation, especially as he prepares to retire at the end of the month.

“This project will greatly benefit Bengaluru residents, particularly those traveling to the IT hub and those living in East Bengaluru. I have been receiving numerous emails about traffic issues in that area,” he added. Following a site assessment, he believes a viable solution has been found.

Furthermore, he mentioned plans to allocate two acres of land for an entry point to the tunnel road near the Hop Dairy Farm in Hebbal.

“I have made significant efforts to secure this land from the Defense Ministry, navigating through the necessary paperwork and maintaining consistent communication. We met with various officials, including ministers and the Prime Minister, to present our case,” he noted.

When asked about the MoD's conditions for the land transfer, Shivakumar stated, “The ministry has requested alternative basic facilities for the land, and we will adhere to that requirement.