Mangaluru: May 23 (DHNS): Shiradi Ghat, which connects Mangaluru with Bengaluru, is unlikely to be thrown open to the public on June 1.

Only 50 per cent of the work has been completed and officials have promised to finish the work by June-end. However, if it rains, the work is likely to be delayed further, Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said.

Work on Shiradi Ghat stretch connecting Heggadde near Sakleshpur to Kempu Hole near Uppinangady had begun on January 1. The work is being taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 69.90 crore. With the closure of Shiradi Ghat section, vehicles will have to travel via Mani-Mysuru Road and Charmadi Ghat.

It may be recalled that Dakshina Kannada in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai had inspected the work on April 21 and had announced the opening of the road on June 1.

However, owing to unseasonal rain, the work got delayed. Work on culverts and four minor bridges have been completed.

Work on side pitching, signboards and crash barriers will be taken up after completing the road work.

Pavement quality concrete (PQC) has to be laid out, which can be done only when the temperature is below 30 degrees Celsius.