BANGALORE: The Public Works Department has sought a budgetary support of over `10,000 crore in the coming annual budget from Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, who also holds the finance portfolio. Speaking to newsmen here on Tuesday, PWD Minister C M Udasi said out of the department’s proposed outlay, over Rs 4,000 crore would be allotted for the re-construction of about one fifth of the existing State Highways and Major District Roads.He said the total outlay of the department for 2011-12 stood at about Rs 3,800 crore and it was fully utilised.Stating that better road works would contribute to the state’s overall economic development, Udasi said, “Considering the importance of having quality road network for SGDP growth, pumping of more funds is important.” He said two more road stretches — Magadi-Koratagere (68 km) and Yedyur-Kaudle (109 km) — would be taken up for improvement under KSHIP Programme. The works, supported by the World Bank assistance, would cost about Rs 412 crore, he added.The minister also hinted at the possibility of giving permission to collect toll from road-users in select stretches which were developed under the KSHIP Programme. He added the PWD had evinced interest in deploying machines for filling of potholes in the state road network. “A US company has come forward to take up work and it has given a demonstration, which looks adoptable,” the minister said.Udasi also said about Rs 1,200 crore was pending towards execution of various works entrusted by the PWD with the contractors.
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