Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (AF)

Udupi, Jun 18: In about two years, the National Highway 17 stretch from Suratkal to Kundapur will be converted in to four and six lanes, said district in-charge minister V S Acharya.

A decision in this regard was taken by a delegation of MLAs and other elected representatives of the district here on Saturday June 16 following a meeting held with officials from National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The project, to be completed in a span of two years will cost an approximate Rs 735 crore, Acharya said.

There will be two by-pass roads each at Mulki and Padubidri. Eight kilometres of service roads will be constructed at 10 townships along with four flyovers, each at Adiudupi, Kinnimulki, Kundapur and Koteshwar, Acharya informed.

There will also be 39 bus bays but the biggest problem will be acquiring land from 53 places for the construction. Already, a group of citizens from Padubidri have expressed their opposition to the by-pass road, he added.

The administration has also urged the NHAI to provide two tollgates, each at Suratkal and Kundapur and 56 road crosses against the provision for 28 road crosses made by NHAI.

The proposal is expected to be approved by the Empowerment Committee and other authorities in July, Acharya said.