The Hindu

• Equipment required for the project has arrived 
• Officials blame unseasonal rain for delay
• Road will be laid with emulsion-based bitumen

Mangalore, Sep 23: Officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) here have said that the work on the 37-km stretch between Mukka and B.C. Road on NH 17 and NH 48 will start soon as the machinery required for the project has arrived.

The officials on conditions of anonymity have stated that the hot mix plant, scrapers, levellers, trucks and skilled labour are being prepared to start work. The time is also appropriate, as the monsoons in Mangalore is receding.

The consultants of the project who arrived in the city today told The Hindu that the major component of the project was the hot mix plant which mixed the right proportion of gravel, bitumen and other ingredients at the right heat ensuring long life of the surface of the road. Asked about the delay the officials said unseasonal rains was a major problem. Heavy and early showers ruined the levelling and elevating process in some parts of the stretch.

It was necessary that the laying area should be dry and dust free.

The road would be laid with emulsion-based bitumen for the top layer.