Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Jun 21: The officials of Navayug company were on Thursday June 21 taken to task by MP Nalin Kumar Kateel for delay in the completion of Thokkottu and Pumpwell flyover works.

In a meeting convened between the NHAI officials, road contractors and local representatives at DC office in Mangaluru on Thursday, the MP gave Navayug company officials a 10 day-deadline to submit an affidavit to the government mentioning the estimated date of completion of the flyovers.

"If Navayug company fails to give the completion date within the deadline, then with the help of locals, we will close both toll gates on Kundapur to Talapady road. I know closing the toll gates by force is against the law. But the company has failed to complete a small project for the last 8 years. Why should people give money to them in the form of toll?" he questioned.

"For the last 8 years we have given them many deadlines and the company agreed to adhere to the deadlines. Finally, the company itself declared that by the end of December 2017, they can finish the Pumpwell flyover and by the end of May 2018 they will complete Thokkottu flyover works. But as of now, there are no signs of completing either of the projects before another December or even May. This is not acceptable and I am ready to fight against such apathy," the MP said.

Answering to the MP, the officials of NHAI and Navayug company justified that the delay in Pumpwell flyover work was due to change of design and other technical issues with City Corporation. Later at the time of election, because of Model Code they said they had to halt the work. Now with the heavy rains lashing the coastal district, they said they are facing difficulties but assured to complete the work at the earliest.

In the case of Tokkottu flyover ninety percent of work is done. There were some issues in land acquisition which delayed the project’s completion in the estimated time, they said. However, they assured they will fasten the pace of work.

Nalin Kumar also made queries regarding the condition of the national highways in the district, particularly roads at Charmadi and Shiradi ghats. He ordered the officials to close all potholes on the highways and clear the drainages. He also instructed authorities to deploy special teams in major areas in the rainy season where people are facing inconvenience.

Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath, DK ZP vice-president Kasturi Panja and others were present for the meeting.