Alternative road to KIA likely by February-end.

The State government, which is gearing up to open the alternative road to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) before the Assembly election dates are announced, has instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to speed up pending work. In all likelihood, motorists will be able to use the ‘first phase’ of the road — from KPTCL sub-station to Mantri Circle on airport road — by the end of February. It can be accessed via the existing link roads, including Bagalur Cross.

On Thursday, Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George and Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda checked on the progress of the road. Work from the airport compound to the road — a 1.7 km stretch — is nearing completion.

However, in the remaining 400-metre stretch being executed by the PWD, work has been delayed due to shifting of 66 kv underground power cables. The PWD has managed to build a two-lane road; the remaining four lanes are expected to be completed in two months. PWD officials were instructed by the ministers not to delay the project as it is already delayed by over eight months.

Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said that the second phase of the road — the stretch from Mylanahalli to KPTCL sub-station (2.15 kilometres) — will be upgraded in the ‘coming days’.

“We are almost done with the first stage of the road and it will be thrown open to the public. In the next phase, upgradation of linking roads will start. The State government has already paid a total compensation of ₹70 crore to farmers,” said the minister.

A senior official of the PWD added that BIAL authorities have agreed to provide streetlights on the median and footpath.

The government is spending ₹150 crore on the alternate road.

THE HINDU