As part of the ‘Brand Bengaluru’, the Karnataka government Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canada-based World Design Organisation (WDO) under which the latter will give suggestions and guidance on the ways to improve the city's infrastructure. The MoU was signed by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) chief commissioner Tushar Giri Nath and David Kusuma, president of WDO. The agreement in the MoU is for five years. Deputy chief minister and Bengaluru Development minister DK Shivakumar said 200 skilled engineers from WDO will be in the city to give suggestions on improving roads, flyovers, footpaths and other infrastructure related works. “The scope of the project has been expanded from municipal areas to Bengaluru Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (BMRDA) region. We are taking steps towards building a strong Bengaluru. Bengaluru is the fastest growing city and this agreement will strengthen it further. BBMP chief commissioner has signed the MoU on behalf of the government,” he said. The minister said later the government will plan to extend the scope of the work of WDO to other districts and taluks based on the advice the organisation gives now. As part of the MoU, the state government will provide Rs 200 crore for the next five years. Brand Bengaluru drive has got more than 76,000 suggestions from residents of the city. The government launched an online portal to invite suggestions on the city’s development on June 21 as part of the drive. The vision for the Brand Bengaluru campaign includes advanced urban planning, innovative transportation systems and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to enhance safety, convenience and sustainability. The city aims to optimise commute times, reduce congestion and improve mobility through efficient transportation and smart traffic management.
