Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 19: A plan is being formulated to generate revenue by utilizing Public Works Department (PWD) assets for commercial purposes, and a final decision on the matter will be taken within six months, said PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi.
Speaking at a departmental progress review meeting held at the deputy commissioner’s office on Tuesday, he stated that a commercial complex (G+3) is planned on PWD land in Nellikkatte, Puttur, at a cost of Rs 17.6 crore. Once completed, this project is expected to generate an annual revenue of Rs 1.40 crore. This is the first time such an initiative is being undertaken, he added.
The minister also highlighted the need for Rs 58.75 crore for repairing eight bridges on state highways and Rs 67.85 crore for repairing 20 bridges on district main roads. The repairs will be carried out in phases. Additionally, Rs 89.46 crore is required for the construction of 426 footbridges across the district.
To ease traffic congestion, bypass road projects have been proposed, including a 2.77 km stretch from Nehru Nagar Junction to Padil via Bannur in Puttur and a 3.78 km route from Kepulu Junction to Bedral through Jidekallu.
Concerns were raised regarding the delay in Charmadi Ghat road improvement works. MLA Harish Poonja expressed worry that the lack of progress by the contractor could lead to problems during the upcoming monsoon. He pointed out that the same contractor had taken years to complete works in Sringeri and Horanadu.
MLC Manjunath Bhandary questioned how the contractor, who had quoted 40% less than the estimated project cost of Rs 300 crore, would manage to complete the work with such a low budget.
MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta urged officials to expedite the pending DPR (Detailed Project Report) for the Shiradi Ghat Highway, Outer Ring Road development in Mangaluru, and other major road upgrades. MLA Harish Poonja also demanded the completion of the incomplete Inspection Bungalow (IB) in Beltangady. MLAs Umanath Kotian, Vedavyas Kamath, and the deputy commissioner were also present at the meeting.
No immediate CM aspirations
Reacting to speculation about his potential chief ministerial ambitions, Jarkiholi stated that while his supporters might express such wishes, becoming a CM is not easy. “Everywhere, people say their leader should be the CM. It is just their affection, but securing the CM position is not that simple,” he remarked.
No intent to remove D K Shivakumar
Regarding reports of internal party conflicts, Jarkiholi asserted that the state Congress leadership considers the Delhi High Command akin to a temple, where all party-related issues are resolved. He clarified that there is no intention to remove KPCC president D K Shivakumar, stating, “We have no rigid stance on this matter—only a request.”
On reports that minister Rajanna had been complained against by Chandrashekar to the high command, he said, “The working president will remain here, and the issue will be resolved locally.”