Soon to take decision on pod transport, says Minister K J George

Bengaluru: A final decision on allowing a private company to pilot of pod transport demonstration project free of cost could be taken in the next15 days, according to Minister for Bengaluru Development K J George.

Speaking at an interaction with employees of the Embassy Golf Links Business Park on Monday, George said: “The tender floated by BBMP will end in 10 days. We expect to take a decision in 15-20 days.”

The interaction, attended by Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge as well as heads of BBMP, BWSSB, and BDA, saw several issues being raised by IT professionals employed in the park. However, the discussion quickly progressed into Mr. George having to defend his government’s stance on several projects, which have been the subject of controversy.

He cited projects such as the elevated corridor, pod-transport, steel flyover and road widening projects as being absolutely essential for the development of the city.

Discussing the issue of safety in the city during night hours, the Minister said that a pilot project to install CCTV cameras was being undertaken in his constituency.

When an audience member tried to compare Bengaluru with Mumbai in terms of lesser power cuts in the port city, George dismissed him by saying that Mumbai had several civic issues which Bengaluru did not face.

The interaction on Monday with corporate employees was the first one held by this government. There will be more such meetings in the next few months, he said.