Pics: Joshwa D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Nov 1: Uncertainty over the closure of the Shiradi Ghat for the second phase of concretization of 13 kilometres has continued and will be decided on November 15 after a submission of the detailed survey report of the feasibility of movement of light vehicles including the cars while the works are in progress.

The National Highway division of the PWD department sought the permission from the district in-charge minister Ramanatha Rai and the deputy commissioner (DC) Dr K G Jagadeesh for the extension of the commencement of the works in the meeting held in the DC office presided over by minister Rai.

Rai, who opposed the proposal to close the road completely, said that even last year many commuters travelling to Bengaluru including himself were stuck in the traffic jam and the alternate roads including the one passes from the Charmadi ghat are not in a condition to bear the traffic. "When the work is in progress to widen the road at necessary places and part of the road is under the concretization, the small vehicles including the cars must be permitted to use the Shiradi road.” Rai said.

"Let the heavy vehicles be directed through the alternate roads once the roads are widened. As mentioned by the engineers, wherever the work has to be carried out in narrow sections of the road, let the road be closed for a brief period say 15-20 days and let the movement of vehicles be restored after that. As such, DC, along with the superintendent of police (SP) and chief engineer of the National Highways section Lakshman Rao Peshwe should do the survey of feasibility and act accordingly. They also should provide us with additional solutions." he added.

Executive engineer Ramesh who represented the PWD department said that the department requires another 15 days to submit a survey of the various possibilities including collection of the raw materials and arrival of the machinery. "Along with these, ongoing works of the strengthening of small bridges have to be completed as well. We have already collected about 42% of the raw materials but by November 15, we aim to touch the 50 percent mark so that we can start the work.” he said.

DC Dr K G Jagadeesh instructed the district health officer Dr Ramakrishna to open at least two temporary hospitals with duty doctors in the Shiradi Ghat section with a temporary hospital in the Charmadi section where the road is sufficiently wide enough.

SP Bhushan Gulabrao Borase, ADC Kumar, DHO Dr Ramakrishna were present among others.