CAG Report No. 11 of 2025 — Implementation of Smart City Mission, Government of Karnataka

Implementation of Projects and Monitoring
45
Further, even after repeated request/notices issued by BSCL to KUWSMP &
KUIDFC, the restoration works were not carried out as per the specification of
BSCL.
The issue of restoration of smart city roads by the 24X7 water supply project
was discussed in the meeting held on 31 October 2023. The concerned DBOT
(i.e., agency) informed that nine km for Clear Water Transmission Main
(CWTM) and 78.46 km (Approx) for distribution network comes in smart city
road needs to be restored. After detailed discussion KUIDFC directed the
KUWSMP and BSCL to jointly prepare a detailed estimate as per 2018-19 SR
considering all the above and put up the subject before Executive Committee
for approval. Accordingly, an estimate has been prepared by the concerned
department for restoration of smart city roads which works out to ₹18.85 crore,
which is to be approved by the competent authority.
Thus, the infrastructure created under smart road projects got damaged due to
laying of 24X7 water pipeline which not only led to wastage of public money
but also disrupted the efficiency and purpose of the original project.
The State Government accepted the observation and stated that KUIDFC is
exploring the option to restore roads to its originality.
4.10.3 Non-utilisation of gas pipes in underground ducts
BSCL laid 250mm MDPE pipes for a length of 5.751 km, costing ₹2.01 crore
for gas supply in three Smart Road packages. During planning stage, the
contractor executing gas pipeline work in the city on behalf of Gas Authority of
India Limited, suggested (September 2017) the following modifications to be
made in the estimates:
• Natural gas pipeline must be carried through MDPE pipes as it could not
be laid in the duct.
• For every 750-meter interval, provision should be made to install stop off
valves. In an emergency, squeezer should be installed to temporarily cut-
off supply and change the damaged part.
• For every new branch stop off valves must be installed within 10 metres
from the tap off.
However, on scrutiny of records Audit observed that modification suggested by
the contractor was not considered while executing the work. The gas pipeline
provided by the BSCL did not have provisions for stop off valves, squeezer etc.
In the absence of requisite security infrastructure, the gas pipeline created by
the BSCL could not be utilised for gas supply till date.
The State Government replied (April 2025) that the provisions for stop of valves
and squeezers were not provided by BSCL and are to be installed with requisite
technical specifications. The fact remains that absence of co-ordination with the
stakeholders, the gas pipes laid under the project could not be utilised as on date.
4.10.4 Usage of DWC ducts for laying High/Low tension cables
The scope of Smart Road projects included laying underground electrical ducts
for carrying HT/LT electricity cables. TSCL, SSCL and HDSCL utilised