From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jan 28: Using the 'One Nation, One Card' automatic fare collection system, the state government is planning to roll out the single mobility card for Namma Metro Train travellers and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation passengers in Bengaluru this year.

This was indicated by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala in his address to the joint session of the State Legislature on Thursday.

In his customary address to a joint session of the State legislature, Vala said: “The automatic fare collection system using ‘One Nation One Card’ will be set up by Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation during this year.’’

The state government has accorded high priority for the completion of the ongoing metro works, the Governor said pointing out that Phase 2 and Phase 2A works were under progress and it is aimed to have 75 km of Metro line by 2022.

The Governor said the Centre in partnership with the state government has approved Bengaluru suburban rail project at a cost of Rs 15,767 crore to ease traffic congestion in the city.

The Opposition Congress staged a symbolic protest during the Governor’s address, accusing the BJP government of ‘neglecting’ the north Karnataka districts.

However, the protest ended in a couple of minutes.

As Governor Vajubhai Vala began his address to the legislature, Congress members led by Opposition leader Siddaramaiah rose up holding placards for a couple of minutes.

They sat down later and listened to the speech peacefully till the end.

Congress members levelled charges of the government with ‘neglecting’ North Karnataka by not holding a legislative session in the border district of Belagavi.

Infrastructure and developmental works worth Rs 8,015 crore were approved for Bengaluru and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Act has been enacted as a separate law for better administration of the city, the Governor said.

Vala said the transport department has installed 126 electric vehicles charging stations in Bengaluru through BESCOM at a cost of Rs 4 crore.

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has converted a scrap bus into well-equipped women’s toilet called 'Stree Toilet', this initiative has won an award, he said.

The state government has tried its best to mitigate the adverse impact of COVID-19.

“I sincerely hope that the pandemic will end soon, and we will be back on the path of growth with equity,’’ the Governor said.

He pointed out that despite the current challenges, the government has collected Rs 30,467 crore through commercial taxes and Rs 16,788 crore through the excise department to ensure smooth funding of development programmes of the state.