Bangalore's first motor racing circuit in sight

BENGALURU: Plans are afoot to develop Bengaluru's first auto racing track at the Bangalore Development Authority's (BDA) Dr Shivaram Karanth site.

While the city's only other running track is expected to be ready at Devanahalli only in 2026, if all goes well and the ongoing discussions on the completion of the running track prove fruitful, the planned track at Shivaram Karanth Layout might be ready by November. this year itself.

An organizer of motor racing events in India, who did not wish to be identified, plans to create 2.5 km of space around the proposed 25-acre stadium at Somashetty Halli, to create a track by November, BDA sources informed. TNIE.

“The 2.5 km space will be in the form of a loop encircling the stadium. They will only occupy the premises for the duration of a demonstration, which will last a few days. Improvements required for a race as well as barricades and other work for the race will be carried out. Otherwise, the road will be open to BDA beneficiaries. The stadium is not yet constructed, but space has already been earmarked for it,” said a senior BDA official. Officials said roads around the proposed stadium – intended to be a multi-sport facility – have already been laid out around the stadium, which would take much longer to build.

A senior BDA official confirmed: “A presentation was recently made to the BDA chairman and commissioner by the race organizer to secure space here for future events. The organizer identified other areas in Bangalore, but ultimately narrowed it down to development, he added.

The layout covers 3,546 acres, spread across 17 villages, and is awaiting a green signal from the Karnataka High Court to proceed with the allotment notification. A motorsport expert said it was very likely that Indian Racing League events and Formula 4-related events could be organized here.

“Decibel levels will increase, but most Bengalureans reside in noisy areas”

An event official supporting the organiser, Ghanashyam, said: “We are planning temporary race tracks, which means only some modifications, including barricades, will be made at the time of the races. »

A BDA official said, “Preliminary discussions are underway and the financial aspects will be sorted out during further negotiations. For now, the organizer is considering a 5-year contract, which can be extended for another five years if necessary, and needs space possibly for a few days twice a year.

Asked about possible noise pollution and its impact on the health of residents in the network, a senior official from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) said, “The decibel levels will definitely increase, but most residents of Bangalore reside or work in areas where noise pollution is significant. higher than what is prescribed for humans – 45 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night.

Bodapati David, a motorsport expert, cited an order passed by the Madras High Court in February this year in connection with a 3.7 km Formula 4 night race. Written requests had been filed regarding the noise generated. The court said the race lasted only for a few days and ordered the Tamil Nadu government to install quiet equipment during this period.

David added: “A Formula 1 event was held at the Buddh International Circuit in UP for three years from 2011, but was later withdrawn from the country. It is unlikely that a Formula 1 event will be allowed, but the Indian Racing League and Formula 4 event could take place in Bangalore. The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India would approve them. There are different gradations in Formula Racing and F1 sits at the top. Nowhere in India are we currently allowed to do this.

HEARING OF JUNE 6

The Karnataka High Court has postponed a hearing relating to the Dr Shivarama Karanath route to June 6. In total, 34,000 sites are planned in the route, of which nearly 10,000 will be allocated to the public. It can only be notified after the court has given the green signal.