Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/EP)

Udupi, Jan 8: Union Minister of agriculture and farmer’s welfare Shobha Karandlaje has directed officials to acquire the necessary land and start work on the highway from Karavali junction to Malpe immediately.

She was speaking after presiding over a progress review meeting of NH 66, NH 169 and NH 169A at the deputy commissioner’s office auditorium, Rajatadri in Manipal on Monday, January 8.

“As vehicles concerning fishing and tourists are visiting the Malpe sea shore in large numbers and the road is narrow, there is traffic congestion. There are several complaints in this regard from tourists and the locals. Therefore, the officials should start road widening workat once,” she said.

“Road accidents are increasing near Padubidri junction on NH66. Necessary works should be taken up to make the road accident-free,” she said.

“Road development works should also be taken up on NH66 and 169A. The works should be completed within a time frame to thrown it open for vehicular traffic,” she said.

“The concerned officials should provide details of works on signboards at work sites. The remaining bridge work should be completed before the onset of monsoon,” Karandlaje said.

“The railway bridge near Indrali railway station should be completed as soon as possible and thrown open for use by the motorists. The work of breaking the rock during Santhekatte underpass construction and the road work should be completed quickly while maintaining quality,” she told the officials.

Deputy commissioner Dr K Vidya Kumari, SP Dr Arun K, MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, Gurme Suresh Shetty, Kundapura sub-divisional officer Rashmi S, NHAI project director Abdul Javed, NHAI division assistant executive engineer Manjunath K V, contractors and others were present.