Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 16: The concreting work of the Indrali railway overbridge has been completed, and abutment work on both sides must be finished swiftly so that vehicular traffic can be allowed from September 15, instructed MP Kota Srinivas Poojary to the officials.
He was presiding over a meeting held on Saturday at the deputy commissioner’s office hall in Rajathadri, Manipal, to review progress on National Highway 169A and the Indrali overbridge construction.
He expressed concern that national highway works in the district are not being completed within stipulated timelines, causing significant inconvenience to the public. Due to rains, roads are riddled with potholes, and repair and maintenance must be taken up without delay, he said.
Regarding the NH 169A roadwork from Karavali Junction to Malpe, he directed that compensation for land acquisition be released within the specified timeframe. Concreting of the road must begin in the first week of September, he added.
He emphasised that a free area at Karavali Junction must be developed to ensure smooth movement of light vehicles. Before commencing permanent works, potholes on temporary roads must be urgently filled.
For the 18 land acquisition cases lacking documents, he instructed officials to deposit compensation through the court. For the remaining 90 pending cases, it was decided in the meeting to complete 3D formalities within two days and submit them to the RO office in Bengaluru.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared for the Hebri–Char road and the Agumbe Ghat highway. He directed that tender processes for both projects be expedited and work begun at the earliest.
Deputy commissioner Swaroop T K noted that orders have already been issued to provide alternative routes to facilitate the Perkala national highway works, which must begin without delay. He said the pace of highway works in other parts of the district also needs to increase. While undertaking road works, temporary alternative roads must be provided for public vehicle movement, he directed engineers.
MLA Yashpal Suvarna suggested that on the Perkala highway, one side may be opened for light vehicles, while alternative routes should be arranged for heavy vehicles before construction begins.
The meeting was attended by Gurme Suresh Shetty, DFO Ganapathi, ASP Sudhakar Naik, Municipal commissioner Mahantesh Hangargi, deputy director of Land Records Ravindra, NH engineers, and others.