Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jun 11: State minister in the public works department, C M Udasi, revealed that the detailed plan for two-lane concreting of Shiradi Ghat stretch of national highway 48 is awaiting approval of the central government. He expressed optimism that the project will become a reality soon.

Speaking to reporters here on Thursday June 10, the minister revealed that any project estimated to cost over Rs 100 crore needs to be placed before the finance committee of the central government. He hoped that the project will get the committee’s nod at its meeting on June 15, and that by the end of the monsoon season, all procedures including tender process will be completed, and work will begin soon thereafter.

“There is a plan to build a four-lane highway between Hassan and B C Road. As forest land needs to be acquired for the purpose, permission of the central forest and environment department has been sought. Once this permission is given, the project will be undertaken by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). However, because of various procedures involved, the work might begin only after two years,” he felt.

In reply to queries, he informed that the Mangalore-Shimoga stretch of national highway 13 has already been handed over to NHAI, and as such, the state government can not do anything about its maintenance, development or repairs. NHAI will take care of these things, he clarified.

Out of the outstanding amount of Rs 220 crore due from the government to the contractors who have executed various works, Rs 45 crore has already been released, and the balance will be paid in installments, he explained.