The Karnataka Government on Friday refuted allegations of irregularity in the cost escalation in the Suvarna Soudha project, the second secretariat building being built in Belgaum.
Talking to newspersons here, the Minister for Public Works, Mr C. M. Udasi, defended the enhanced outlay for the project from the originally estimated Rs 259 crore to Rs 350 crore due to increase in building area and other works.
Tender for the project was called with an estimated cost for Rs 250.65 crore in 2009, but later revised to Rs 350 crore in the backdrop of constructed area going up from 12,617 sq.m to 16,138 sq.m, a jump by 3,520 sq.m.
The revised cost was approved by the then Chief Secretary, Mr Sudhakar Rao, in 2009 itself as there was a proposal to build a Central Hall in the complex on the model of Parliament, Mr Udasi said.
As interior works and development of roads need to be taken up, the cost of the building could go up further by about Rs 20 crore, taking the total investment to Rs 370 crore, he indicated.
He said the Government has drawn up a plan to develop 15,000 km of State highway with an expenditure of Rs 13,363 crore in the next two years, Mr Udasi said.
Karnataka has about 20,000 km of State highway and with the bringing of 15,000 km under renovation and upgradation, the Government has ensured development of roads across the State.