Bengaluru’s GBA launches phase 2 of ‘Ward One’

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda after the launch of phase 2 of the ‘Ward One’ campaign at the Tin Factory Junction in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Saturday directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan for the redevelopment of the K.R. Puram-Tin Factory Junction. The plan should focus on pedestrian safety, public transport integration and smoother traffic movement, he said.

The directions came during the launch of the second phase of the ‘Ward One’ campaign. The second phase has been launched across around 40 wards. The first phase covered 43 wards, with nearly 90% of the identified works completed, Mr. Gowda said.

On Saturday, the Minister inspected the K.R. Puram-Tin Factory Junction and reviewed the problems from ongoing metro and K-RIDE works and the pedestrian infrastructure, following which directions were issued.

The plan would be prepared jointly by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), Namma Metro officials, and Janaagraha, he said. The plan would cover road design, footpaths, bus bays, bus stops and traffic management. The Minister also called for scientifically redesigning the junction, improving road curves, and providing free left turns wherever necessary.

He directed metro officials to restore roads affected by the construction without delay. “Potholes on connecting roads must be repaired within a week. Roads at lower levels, which are prone to flooding, also need to be improved,” he told officials.

The campaign brings together various civic agencies to address potholes, damaged footpaths, garbage accumulation, construction waste, streetlights and drain desilting.