For a smooth ride to Jnana Bharathi campus

BANGALORE: If everything goes as per schedule, one can soon hope for a smooth ride in Jnana Bharathi campus of Bangalore University. The work of widening and re-laying of the roads within the campus, which will cost the BBMP not less than ` 11.99 crore, has started after the delay of nine months. The roads which were full of potholes had become a nightmare for daily commuters. The university officials said they are happy that after repeated pleas, the work has now started. “Students staged protest so many times but there is hope now,’’ said one of the officials.New upgraded roadsThe reconstruction work being executed by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will cover 5.46 km. The roads will be made four-lane. This includes 2.42 km stretch from Mysore Road till the ring road, 2.54 km road that connects the administration office and Nagarabhavi Ring Road and 0.50 km stretch on Mariyappana Palya Road.Dedicatedbicycle lanesThe reconstruction of roads will see dedicated lanes for bicycle users. Vice-Chancellor N Prabhudev said that they are planning to have at least four bicycle stations near exit points of the university. A private firm will give 50 bicycles which the students can use for one rupee a day. “Students who get down from BMTC bus can take these bicycles to their department instead of walking. They can even use these bicycles to go to the library,’’ he informed.Quality check by BUDr Prabhudev further explained that the quality of roads will be managed by the university. He said that they have constituted a three-man committee under the chairmanship of Prof H N Ramesh, head of the department, civil engineering, UVCE. “The committee will not only keep track of the quality of roads, but also report to me every week on the progress done,’’ added Prabhudeva. BBMP sideWhen contacted Special Commissioner (Project, Resource and Finance),  K R  Niranjan said that they are hopeful of completing the project within nine months.  He said: “There could be a delay of one-two months but we'll try our best to complete the project on time.”     When asked about the trees to be cut, he said,"As per the original plan, we had identified almost 25 trees. But now it has been brought down to 12. As we are widening the road, it is inevitable. There is nothing much we can do.’’ He also added that BU has already planted one lakh saplings inside the campus.