Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jun 20: MP Capt Brijesh Chowta instructed National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials to carry out all national highway works in the district of Dakshina Kannada in an orderly manner.

Chowta held a progress meeting for various central government projects at the DC office on Wednesday. He mentioned that various highway works, including B C Road-Addahole, Sanoor-Bikkarnakatte, and Punjalakatte-Charmadi, are in progress. Once completed, these projects will significantly enhance the district's connectivity.

The MP expressed his dissatisfaction with the delay in the B C Road-Addahole project and urged not to test the public's patience. He noted that people traveling by bus and two-wheelers have faced inconvenience for many months. He urged the NHAI to use all available resources to expedite the work. He set a deadline of July 5 for ensuring convenient traffic movement at Melkar, Kalladka, Mani, and Uppinangady junctions. He also advised officials to follow the Talapady-Kasargod four-lane highway work model, which is progressing without any issues.

Regarding the Karkala-Moodbidri-Mangaluru highway work, the MP instructed officials to complete work in areas without issues. He directed the authorities to hand over the acquired land promptly for the construction of the Moodbidri bypass road.

Capt Chowta sought an update on the Kulur bridge work. Abdul Javed Azmi, project director of NHAI, reported that the work is currently stalled. Chowta asked the deputy commissioner to bring this serious issue to the attention of higher NHAI officials.

Chowta also discussed the progress of the Kottara Chowki service road, KPT overpass, Paduva junction, and Nantoon flyover, stating that a separate meeting will be held soon to resolve all confusion and chaos.

NHAI officials were instructed to prepare a report on constructing a proper service road from Talapady to Hejmady due to numerous accidents occurring on NH 66.

Chowta also suggested the NHAI officials explore the possibility of assigning the maintenance of the B C Road to Suratkal highway stretch to another agency, as the public is unhappy with the current maintenance.

Shivaprasad Ajila, an official of NHAI, said, “Temporary works required for smooth traffic movement are being completed on this stretch. The nine-kilometre service road between Guruvayanakere and Ujire is in the pipeline. All issues for smooth traffic movement are being resolved.”