Bengaluru: For the time being, it seems that the State government may not be able to extend its ambitious project- ‘Indira Canteen’, which provides food at an economical price across the state. The government had decided to extend the programme through the Urban Development Department and the officials have conducted a study in this direction.
The government has decided to open Indira Canteens in 246 centres including district and taluk centres. The construction of the canteen building is yet to start in more than 50 per cent of the centres.
97 pre-cast canteens
The officials have decided to establish the pre-cast model canteens, which are in Bengaluru in 97 more locations. Considering the minimum distance, easy transportation, and few other points, this model would be followed in the district and taluk centres, near the capital. There will be concrete buildings in other locations and it would take three months for construction.
The pre-cast element manufacturing unit is in Krishnagiri, near Hosur and it is a hazardous task to supply the elements to Belgaum, Kalaburagi, Raichur, and Bellary. It would be beneficial to construct concrete buildings at the same cost, an Urban Development Department official said.
Rs 185 crore project
The estimated budget of the 246 Indira Canteens is Rs 185 crores. According to that, a canteen constructed in a 1,500 square feet would cost Rs 61.76 lakhs, including GST. A 816 square feet canteen would cost Rs 33.63 lakhs and a 1,903 square feet canteen would cost Rs 71.98 lakhs.
Even in Bengaluru, the officials could not meet the deadline. Though the government, in June, declared that it would construct canteens in all wards by August 16, the total canteens constructed were only 101. Even now, 28 canteens are yet to be constructed.
