Silvester D'Souza 

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS) 

Kundapur, Nov 5: If the Kundapur Shastri Circle flyover work and service road work are not completed by the end of March 2020 and If the four lane work of Padubidri is not completed before the end of January 2020, then Padubidri tollgate will be closed on February 1, 2020 and Sasthan tollgate will be shut down on April 1, 2020. If the work gets re-tendered, then a relaxation of one month will be given. This important decision was taken in the meeting that was called to discuss the issues of highways in the district that was held at the auditorium of taluk panchayat here under the leadership of MP Shobha Karandlaje.  

Addressing the audience in the meeting, MP Shobha Karandlaje said, "Navayuga Company had to finish the work within the stipulated time. When the company faced financial issues, it was addressed by the union government. Even then the company has not done the work properly. This company should not get any other tender in the whole country. This company has to be blacklisted. I have instructed the concerned officials that the works for which the company has got tenders need to be finished as soon as possible,” 

"The four-lane work should have got over by 2013. A meeting in this regard has to be held with NHAI officials in Bengaluru. The DC has to submit a report on the failure of highway works in the district. We have to get the work done at any cost. All of us have to think of finishing the work fast. There is an issue of service road also. Officials, NHAI and the contractors have to work quickly. If there is opportunity for re-tender the same needs to be done." 

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty said, "One or the other issue crop sup as the work so far done is unscientific. The plan of the contractor itself is not correct. We have to listen to the complaints from public every day. A solution has to be worked out for this soon. It is not right to change the contractor at this stage. In case, if the contracting company is changed, then it is better to make some changes in the plan also. The service roads should be widened." 

DC Jagadeesha said, "Even if the construction of road work is over at some places, one way traffic is going on even now. Open the roads, the work of which is over and reduce the accidents. If the electricity or drinking water pipeline get damaged during the course of work, then get the same repaired immediately." 

Manju Billava requested to provide a U-turn near Vinayaka, which connects to Kodi. Ganapati Sriyan said that the construction of link roads needs to be done immediately. There are issues in drainage fixing also. The company is not showing any interest in building the service roads also. Kenchanur Somashekhar Shetty highlighted all the lacunae of the woks done so far. Pushparaj Shetty said that preparations are going on to collect toll at Shiroor, even when the work is still pending. 

Assistant commissioner Raju was present. Taluk panchayat executive officer Dr Nagabhushana Udupa welcomed the gathering and rendered the vote of thanks.