Despite the growing criticism, the white-topping of roads in Bengaluru will now extend to the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) as well. The state government, with the intention of laying as many new roads as possible in the city, is now working on a plan to extend this to the PRR. Although the cost of the project might escalate, the policy is still being pursued, reports Deccan Herald.

The cost incurred will be less when compared to tarred roads as they are laid fresh, claimed an official from the Urban Development Department (UDD).

“If the road is concreted, the cost will escalate by 25 per cent. This can be managed since the state government has agreed to fund the project; Rs 10,000 crore will be allocated in the first phase,” said a UDD source.

“If the government wants, it can be done. Though the construction costs will increase, the maintenance costs will come down”, said BDA officials who are open to the idea.

The idea occurred to the government as the existing Bengaluru-Mysusru infrastructure corridor (Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Road) is a concrete road, and the government is keen on maintaining continuity.

UDD and BDA officials are not against the plan as the PRR road will have tolls. A toll revenue estimate made by the BDA is around Rs 17,313 crore in 12 years. The road will be constructed according to National Highways Authority of India standards instead of Public Works Department standards, according to BDA.