Daijiworld Media Network–Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Aug 30: “The four-lane work in progress on NH66 from Pumpwell to Talapady should benefit not only the vehicles but also to nearby people. The corporation while spending Rs 780 crore for the highway should also come forward to construct service roads and pedestrian overpasses at main junctions at a cost of Rs ten crores,” said Karnataka minister of food and civil supplies U T Khader.

Speaking in a meeting held to discuss problems faced by people by the widening of NH66 held at the office of deputy commissioner on Monday, August 29, he said that pedestrians face difficulties while crossing roads causing accidents.  

“Therefore the highway authority should construct over bridges at main junctions such as Ekkooru, Kallapu, Kumpala, Kotekar and Thokkottu so that pedestrians can cross roads with ease. Stagnation of rain water should be prevented in over-bridges and barricades should be erected in accident prone zones. Priority should be given to repair roads and erect sign boards,” he said. 

The minister who responded when Assistant commissioner Dr Ashok gave details of land acquisition, said that people should be happy after construction of roads and those should not cause problems for them. “Though the roads are being widened, no service roads are constructed anywhere. Service road boards are hung in some places causing confusion among people. The toll gate at Talapady is constructed 300 meters ahead. It is not fair to collect toll without constructing service road here. Local people should be provided free service,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Alva said, “Compensation has not been paid though a building is demolished at Thokkottu. A posh toll gate has been constructed at Talapday but facilities are not provided to local people.”

“The national highway authority which buys land from farmers at low rates provides it to Navyug Company which constructs toll gate there and does business by collecting toll cheating the farmers. Therefore market rates of land should be paid to farmers during land acquisition,” demanded some people in the meeting.

Highway construction official Samson informed that there are objections in some places for acquisition of land. The deputy commissioner Dr Jagadish responding to it, asked for details of such cases. “A pass system identifying the vehicles of local people should be implemented to waive toll for such vehicles,” he said.

Mangaluru taluk panchayat president Mohammed Monu and others were present.