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Time of India
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tunnel vision sparks turf war between Kumaraswamy, Shivakumar over Bengaluru's future
Bengaluru: The political rivalry between deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S) has spilled into Bengaluru's infrastructure space, as both pitch competing underground road projects to tackle the city's traffic mess. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While Shivakumar is pushing ahead with his tunnel road project, Kumaraswamy has pitched an alternative: An ultra-modern underground road network (UMURN). Earlier this week, he met Union minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi to discuss the proposal. He has also proposed support for the Peripheral Ring Road to decongest the central business district. "This transformative infrastructure will serve as the backbone of Bengaluru's future urban mobility," Kumaraswamy said in a memorandum to Gadkari. Both proposals aim to decongest Bengaluru's notorious traffic, improve long-term connectivity, and fuel economic growth. But observers say the duel is as much about political one-upmanship as it is about urban planning, with both vying to be the dominant Vokkaliga face in Karnataka politics. There have been past flashpoints. The row around NICE corridor and the govt's decision to rename Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South were moves widely seen as political signalling. Taking a swipe at Shivakumar's project, Kumaraswamy said, "This 'piecemeal approach' would not solve the gigantic problem of mobility in the city. What we need is a comprehensive mobility solution that is not just futuristic, but also growth-oriented in sync with the city's brand equity as a global destination. The proposed UMURN is scientifically designed and seeks to adopt cutting-edge technology. It is aimed at reducing carbon footprint while ensuring commercial, industrial and economic growth. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now MoRTH minister Gadkari's response to the proposal was positive." This drew a sharp reaction from Shivakumar, who accused Kumaraswamy of trying to create confusion. "Let Kumaraswamy explain the difference between the tunnel road project and this UMURN he is talking about," he said. "Both are underground road infrastructure projects to ensure seamless mobility linking critical points of the city. If he is sincere, then he should ensure central govt funds for Bengaluru's development instead of indulging in gimmicks like this. " Shivakumar said the tunnel road is already at an "advanced stage", with cabinet approval secured in May. "We'll soon invite global tenders for the first phase of 16.7km dubbed the North-South Corridor that links Esteem Mall at Hebbal Junction to Central Silk Board Junction in HSR Layout. The estimated cost is Rs 17,780 crore," he said. BJP, meanwhile, has thrown its weight behind its NDA partner. "We are all along opposed to the tunnel road project on various grounds including its extravagant cost even without being able to scientifically address mobility issues. Let the govt strengthen the public transport system including Metro, which has emerged as the lifeline of the city, before embarking on a misadventure like tunnel road," said PC Mohan, BJP MP from Bengaluru Central. But experts are unconvinced with both plans. YN Yellappa Reddy, former secretary, department of ecology and environment, said: "The city's terrain is predominantly rock, especially Dharwar shilt, an ancient rock formation which is harder than diamond. Blasting it would cause artificial seismic waves. Besides, the project would adversely impact groundwater and vegetation on the surface."
New Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Global tender to be called for Bengaluru tunnel road project
BENGALURU: The state cabinet on Thursday decided to call a global tender for the tunnel road project in Bengaluru, which will be given to the agency under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, said Law Minister HK Patil on Thursday. Patil said that after discussion on the mode of construction, they have decided to construct the tunnel road under BOOT model and the ownership will be given to an agency for 30 years. They have proposed to drill the twin tunnel road of 33.49 km within 26 months, and then take up construction work in next 12 months. The tunnel road will be from Esteem Mall in Hebbal junction to HSR Layout, to Silk Board junction, which will be the North-South Corridor project. The cabinet approved to take up the work with an estimated cost of Rs 17,780 crore. When asked if there will be a fee for the tunnel road, Patil said it will be decided in the coming days. Government sources said that since it will be entrusted to a private agency for 30 years, there will be a toll which will be fixed by that agency.
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Relevant regional and international agreements: Ministries, Aviation Division assigned to evaluate
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the Ministry of Railways, and the Aviation Division were assigned to evaluate relevant regional and international agreements that could facilitate economic integration through new routes. The second consultative meeting of the Working Group on Multimodal Connectivity chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives was held on Wednesday, with participation from key government stakeholders, including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and the Aviation Division. During the meeting, the working group presented a comprehensive review of currently operational trade corridors and proposed new routes to strengthen regional connectivity. The Minister for Planning reviewed the existing corridors, while discussions were held on proposed road, rail and maritime linkages. In follow-up to the previous meeting, the Ministry of Communications had been tasked with reviewing existing transport infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and policy instruments along identified trade corridors. Highlighting Turk-menistan as a comparatively shorter and viable transit option, he directed that a thorough assessment of this route's feasibility be undertaken. Reflecting on his recent visit to Turkmenistan for the 1st ECO Ministerial Forum on Sustainable Development, the minister noted the country's keen interest in fostering regional connectivity. On a query regarding Turkmenistan's potential use of Gwadar Port, the minister was apprised by Ministry of Maritime Affairs that the port is operational, and 100 acres of land have been allocated for an off-dock terminal. The PC-1 for its development is under preparation for proposed inclusion in PSDP 2025–26. Recalling the prospect of Gwadar–Oman sea connectivity as discussed in previous meeting, the minister advised the concerned ministry to share progress on this initiative in the next meeting. Minister Iqbal further emphasised the need for effective phasing in the planning of the multi modal connectivity network to identify infrastructural and policy challenges that may arise in the development of new trade corridors. The Ministry of Communications presented a three years' summary of the movement of NLC trucks operating through three key trade corridors: the Trans-Afghan Corridor, the North-South Corridor, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Ministry of Communications briefed the minister that in 2023, Pakistan transported the highest number of trucks to Uzbekistan, as compared to other Central Asian countries. In 2024, Afghanistan took the lead as the primary recipient of Pakistani trucked exports. The official from Ministry of Communications also briefed the minister that current figures for 2025 indicate that the top three countries to have received Pakistani trucked exports so far had been China, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, respectively. 'These trends reflect Pakistan's growing engagement with neighbouring markets and underscore the importance of developing efficient multimodal trade corridors to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration,' stated the planning minister. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Priority projects in roads, railways and maritime must be shortlisted in first phase: Ahsan
Priority projects in roads, railways and maritime sector must be shortlisted in first phase of multi-modal network, which could be done by effectively analysing missing links across the region, Planning minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Wednesday. His remarks came in the second consultative meeting of the Working Group on Multimodal Connectivity that was held with participation from key government stakeholders, including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and the Aviation Division. During the meeting, the working group presented a comprehensive review of currently operational trade corridors and proposed new routes to strengthen regional connectivity. The Planning minister reviewed the existing corridors, while discussions were held on proposed road, rail and maritime linkages. In follow-up to the previous meeting, the Ministry of Communications had been tasked with reviewing existing transport infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and policy instruments along identified trade corridors. Pakistan's $60bn export target: Ministers told to craft business plans The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Railways, and the Aviation Division were assigned to evaluate relevant regional and international agreements that could facilitate economic integration through new routes. Highlighting Turkmenistan as a comparatively shorter and viable transit option, he directed that a thorough assessment of this route's feasibility be undertaken. Reflecting on his recent visit to Turkmenistan for the 1st ECO Ministerial Forum on Sustainable Development, the minister noted the country's keen interest in fostering regional connectivity. On a query regarding Turkmenistan's potential use of Gwadar Port, the minister was apprised by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs that the port is operational, and 100 acres of land have been allocated for an off-dock terminal. The PC-1 for its development is under preparation for proposed inclusion in PSDP 2025–26. Recalling the prospect of Gwadar–Oman sea connectivity as discussed in previous meeting, the Minister advised the concerned Ministry to share progress on this initiative in the next meeting. Minister Ahsan Iqbal further emphasised the need for effective phasing in the planning of the multi modal connectivity network to identify infrastructural and policy challenges that may arise in the development of new trade corridors. The Ministry of Communications presented a three years' summary of the movement of NLC trucks operating through three key trade corridors: the Trans-Afghan Corridor, the North-South Corridor, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Ministry of Communications briefed the minister that in 2023, Pakistan transported the highest number of trucks to Uzbekistan, as compared to other Central Asian countries. In 2024, Afghanistan took the lead as the primary recipient of Pakistani trucked exports. The official from Ministry of Communications also briefed the Minister that current figures for 2025 indicate that the top three countries to have received Pakistani trucked exports so far had been China, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, respectively. 'These trends reflect Pakistan's growing engagement with neighboring markets and underscore the importance of developing efficient multimodal trade corridors to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration, stated the Planning Minister.' Only uplift-oriented projects be included in PSDP: minister The Minister also stated, 'Priority projects in roads, railways and maritime sector must be shortlisted in first phase of multi-modal network, which can be done by effectively analysing missing links across the region. This will help Pakistan establish trade connectivity with the energy-rich Central Asia.' He instructed Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Communication and Ministry of Maritime affairs to carry out extensive consultative reviews of key infrastructure projects to identify the projects that need to be recommended for phase one. 'Execution of the multimodal connectivity network will help Pakistan diversify its trade mix while providing Central Asian nations with access to South Asian markets via Gwadar, Karachi, and new routes. This mutually beneficial arrangement has immense potential to strengthen economic interdependence and regional connectivity.' Reflecting on the potential of trading with Central Asian region, the minister emphasised that Central Asia's collective GDP of over $207 billion and a population of 66 million represent a substantial market for Pakistani exports, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. Strengthening trade and investment linkages with these countries can lay the foundation for a regional economic bloc that benefits all stakeholders, he stressed. Recommendations made by respective departments involved in the joint working group included execution of a cross-institutional study to assess the potential benefits and challenges of establishing international corridors. The group also proposed an in-depth economic impact study to evaluate the benefits of trade routes from Pakistan to Russia via Central Asia. The meeting concluded with Planning Minister's direction to all line ministries to finalise a comprehensive report on the proposed multimodal connectivity framework with phase one priority projects for submission to the prime minister.
Shafaq News
08-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Russian Ambassador: Moscow boosts Iraq's energy investments
Shafaq News/ Russian oil and gas investments in Iraq have risen to $20 billion, up from $19 billion, marking what Ambassador Elbrus Kutrashev on Wednesday described as a sign of strengthening economic and energy ties between the two countries. In an interview with Shafaq News Agency, Kutrashev clarified that three Russian companies are currently operating in Iraq's oil sector, while a fourth is preparing to enter the gas market. A report from the Primakov Center for Foreign Political Cooperation in Moscow highlighted growing ties between Iraq and Russia, particularly in energy and logistics. Both countries are working to align Iraq's 'Development Road' initiative with Russia's 'North-South Corridor' to enhance trade between Asia and Europe, despite ongoing political and security challenges in Iraq. In earlier remarks, Kutrashev praised Iraq's fight against international terrorism, calling it a victory over a threat 'no less evil than fascism and Nazism.'
