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Quick Approval Expected for Karnataka’s STRR Project
The long-awaited Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) project in Karnataka is likely to receive final approval from the Union Cabinet soon. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has assured Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, that the project will move forward shortly.
During a recent meeting in New Delhi, Kumaraswamy, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, discussed the project’s importance with Gadkari. In this discussion, Gadkari confirmed that the proposal had already cleared the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC), suggesting that the Cabinet’s approval is now just a formality.
Easing Bengaluru’s Traffic Congestion
The STRR is designed as a major expressway to connect eight important industrial towns around Bengaluru. It will feature 4 to 6 lanes, linking places like Dabaspet, Doddaballapura, Devanahalli, Sulibele, Hoskote, Anekal, Kanakapura, Ramanagara, and Magadi. The road will also connect to the Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, providing a quicker route for vehicles heading towards Hosur in Tamil Nadu.
Once completed, this expressway will help reduce traffic congestion in Bengaluru’s busy core by diverting commercial traffic around the city. This will lead to smoother traffic flow, saving time for both commuters and businesses.
Project Cost and Key Features
The STRR will cover about 135 kilometers, with an estimated cost of Rs 4,750 crore. It will have controlled access, allowing vehicles to enter and exit only at specific points, ensuring faster and uninterrupted travel. This project will serve as a vital industrial corridor, supporting trade and reducing travel times for goods and services.
Other Road Projects Under Discussion
In addition to the STRR, Gadkari and Kumaraswamy also discussed the Mandya Ring Road project. Kumaraswamy requested a budget increase for this project from the initial estimate to Rs 900 crore, which Gadkari agreed to consider.
They also talked about upgrading the national highway in the Melukote Assembly Constituency, proposing to widen it from two to four lanes. Other issues discussed included building a dedicated truck lane near Pandavapura Railway Station to speed up cargo movement.
Final Approval Expected Soon
With these projects nearing final approval, Karnataka can expect improved road connectivity and less traffic congestion in the coming years. The STRR, along with other road upgrades, promises to boost regional growth by improving transportation efficiency. The final Cabinet approval is expected soon, paving the way for faster project implementation.
