Bangalore, June 21: After a decade-long delay, the much-awaited widening of Ballari Road has finally commenced following a pivotal decision by the Supreme Court. The court has authorized the government to utilize 15 acres and 17 gunthas of land from the Palace grounds to proceed with the project, overturning previous legal hurdles.
The project, which also includes the widening of Jayamahal Road, had faced persistent legal challenges, primarily due to objections regarding land acquisition by the royal family. The recent clearance from the Supreme Court marks a significant milestone, offering relief to residents grappling with severe traffic congestion in the area.
Additional Advocate General Pratima Honnapura represented the government in court, advocating for the use of the Palace grounds’ land for public infrastructure development. The court’s acceptance of this argument and dismissal of opposing petitions have paved the way for immediate commencement of the long-pending road expansion.
Despite bureaucratic delays in receiving the formal court order, the Supreme Court has emphasized the urgency of the project’s execution. It admonished government officials for prolonged delays and reiterated the need for swift implementation to alleviate daily commuter woes.
Petitioner G.R. Mohan highlighted the public’s suffering due to ongoing delays and urged prompt action from the government and Bangalore civic authorities. The court’s strict directives underscore its commitment to resolving the persistent traffic issues on Ballari Road promptly and efficiently.
