Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MM/SP)

Mangalore, Aug 8: Monsoon has proved to be a hurdle for the continuation of four-lane work of the national highway stretch between B C Road and Suratkal and the work will only be resumed after September, sources informed. The work was supposed to be completed by December 2007. But sources now suspect, that one more year would be required for completing this project.

The four-lane work began in the year 2005 at an estimated cost of Rs 108 crore. The contract was given to IRCON. But the contractors have not even been able to complete the work between Suratkal and Nantoor in Mangalore. The machineries that are brought for the four lane work are lying by the sides of the road. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) project director Prashant A Gavasane had in the past, assured of completing  the stretch between Nantoor and Suratkal before the end of May 2008.

Land disputes in various places have proved to be a big hurdle for the completion of the work within the stipulated period. Meanwhile, the soil dumped along the road in many places for widening purpose, has been washed away due to the flood water. All these developments have ensured that the four lane work will not be completed soon.