Jayanagar complex
Bengaluru: One of south Bengaluru’s iconic commercial destinations, Jayanagar 4th Block shopping complex, has been waiting for 14 years for its redevelopment to be completed. Govt is now proposing joint consultations between BDA and Bengaluru South City Corporation (BSCC) to resume work on the remaining blocks.
In reply to a legislative assembly question by Jayanagar MLA CK Ramamurthy, govt said block 1 had been completed and handed over to erstwhile BBMP, while work on blocks 2, 3 and 4 stalled as traders hadn’t vacated their shops. The project was awarded to NCC Ltd on June 28, 2012, for Rs 252 crore, with a stipulated completion period of 24 months. MLA disputes explanation Ramamurthy, however, disputed govt’s explanation, saying traders had vacated the premises 4-5 years ago and that a dispute between BDA and then BBMP subsequently held up the project. “Blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4 were given to NCC. The contractor completed block 1, but around Rs 52 crore spent on it wasn’t cleared, following which NCC went for arbitration and sought a higher rate,” Ramamurthy said. The MLA claimed to have written to DK Shivakumar around 10 times when the latter was DCM and raised the issue in the assembly on three occasions. Ramamurthy said the site covers around two acres, with 80,000 sqft of built-up area, and suggested govt either entrust the redevelopment entirely to the corporation or consider PPP model. “While over a hundred traders have been allotted shops in the new block, 42 are still waiting for alternative shops.
As a result, BSCC hadn’t handed over the area to BDA, it said.
Govt said the contractor hadn’t violated tender conditions, hence there was no question of imposing penalty. It has become a waste,” the MLA said. Traders seek participation Prakash Mandoth, honorary chairperson, Jayanagar Shopping Complex Traders’ Association, said traders are unclear about govt’s plans. He said Janata Bazaar, vegetable market, Canara Bank and Maharaja Cold Storage premises had been vacant for seven years after traders were asked to vacate for redevelopment. The vacant premises are deteriorating, with garbage accumulation, dumping and stench,” Mandoth said.
He also flagged the deteriorating condition of the existing complex, alleging it had become vulnerable to ganja use, theft and other illegal activities. “Tiles have come off from the upper floors and basement gets flooded.
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But if asked for our preference, we would recommend that BSCC take it up as its head office is nearby and the commissioner can monitor work closely,” he said. Govt officials said BDA and BSCC will jointly discuss the project and take steps as per rules to resume and complete work at the earliest. “It is govt’s prerogative to entrust work to either BDA or GBA. The timeline for restarting the project hasn’t been specified, though. Download the TOI App.