Bengaluru: A 7.5-kilometer road winding through a quiet hamlet on the outskirts of Mandya is set for a Rs 11.4 crore makeover. The reason? Former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are expected to use this stretch to attend a foundation-laying ceremony for an international yoga and meditation centre. This development highlights how global attention can swiftly alter local infrastructure priorities.
Road Upgrade Approved by Karnataka Cabinet
The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved a facelift for the worn-out road connecting SI Kodihalli Gate to Basaralu-Koppa Road, near Hallegere village. The road will be used by the Obamas and other guests, including Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, to attend the event promoted by Bhutayi Trust.
Event Delays and Infrastructure
Mandya district in-charge minister N Chaluvarayaswamy stated that the trust has yet to finalize a date for the event. District officials noted that the ceremony was originally planned for December 2023 but was delayed by nearly three years due to infrastructure development issues and the unavailability of the Obamas. Chaluvarayaswamy confirmed that the government has met almost all requests made by the trust.
"This 7.5-km stretch is crucial as it connects the event venue to the helipad and main road. While parts of the road were re-laid earlier at a cost of Rs 20 crore, this section remained pending. The state government has now cleared funds for the Public Works Department to undertake the work," he added.
Meditation Centre and Key Figures
The Rs 80-crore meditation centre is being spearheaded by Dr Lakshmi Narasimha Murthy, a US-based doctor of Indian origin. He is the father of former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who previously served as a medical adviser to Barack Obama. The centre aims to promote yoga and meditation on an international scale.
