Bengaluru's Peripheral Ring Road: Single-Contract Model For Project Raises Red Flags Among Industry Experts

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has stirred a debate by opting for a singular contract approach for the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project, now rebranded as the Bengaluru Business Corridor. Unlike previous projects such as the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) and Outer Ring Road (ORR), where multiple contractors were involved, the PRR is set to be handled by a single entity.

Recently, BDA received a solitary bid from a Chennai-based company for the construction of the 73 km PRR. The PRR, designed to encircle the city's peripheries, aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the region.

Experts caution that entrusting one company with the mammoth task of executing the entire Rs 27,000 crore project could pose significant risks. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential collapse of the project if the chosen firm faces financial hurdles.

Recent tendering efforts by the BDA have yielded limited response, with only one firm participating in the bidding process. Major players like L&T and Dilip Buildcon refrained from participation, citing reasons unknown. This lack of competitive bidding raises doubts about the feasibility of the single-package model.

Prof. Ashish Verma from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) emphasised the risks associated with relying solely on one contractor for such an extensive project. He advocated for a division of the project into smaller packages, akin to the approach adopted for Namma Metro, to enhance competitiveness and mitigate risks, reports Deccan Herald.

The success of previous projects, such as the Outer Ring Road built in 1999 with the involvement of six contractors, underscores the potential benefits of a diversified approach.

While the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) plans to engage multiple contractors for its 280-km STRR project, the Karnataka Road Development Corporation (KRDCL) has also embraced a multi-firm strategy for widening roads in the city's outskirts.

Despite attempts to reach out for comments, BDA Chairman N A Haris remained unavailable for response, highlighting the ongoing concerns surrounding the project's direction and implementation strategy.

Bengaluru Peripheral Ring Road 

This ambitious project is set to feature sixteen flyovers, ten overpasses, and twelve underpasses, enhancing the city's transportation network. Additionally, the plan includes bridges over seven water bodies, including prominent ones like Chikkatogur Lake, Gunjur Lake, and Jarakabande Lake, further facilitating seamless connectivity.

To tackle traffic intricacies, the project incorporates six cloverleaf-type over bridges, providing a solution for efficient crisscrossing without congestion.

Designs made public by the BDA showcase a 100-m-wide greenfield expressway, featuring green spaces, utilities, underground cables, footpaths, cycle tracks, and drains.

The main carriageway, boasting eight lanes, will be flanked by service roads on both sides, with a broad median reserved for potential future integration with the metro project.

The project covers a length of 65.95 km between Hosur Road and Tumakuru Road, with an additional 3.4 km near Madanayakanahalli and 4.08 km near Hebbagodi to link existing roads seamlessly into the PRR network.