Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Sep 12: "An estimate of Rs 118.58 crore has been prepared for the re-concreting of the Shiradi Ghat stretch of national highway 48. The work will go for tender process soon and the entire work will be completed by the year 2010," said Udupi-Chikmagalur MP, D V Sadanand Gowda. He was addressing a joint press conference at the BJP office here on Friday September 11, along with the local MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel.

"Discussions were held with the union department of national highways. The union government will fund this project.  The revised estimate has put the estimated project cost at Rs 61.78 crore from 237 km to 250 km and Rs 56.80 crore for the stretch from 250 km to 263 km and official intimation will be received in this regard within a week, Gowda explained.

For the asphalting work of the four-lane road between Tokkottu and Talapady, a revised estimate of Rs 247.57 lac has been prepared. Likewise, revised estimate for the Padubidri-Mulky stretch has been put at Rs 575 lac and Rs 450 lac for the stretch between Sastan and Santekatte, he added.

Out of Rs 10 crore required for national highway repair, the union government has released one crore rupees, he explained. He also expressed the hope that tender will be called for the widening of the highway between Kundapur and Talapady during this month and this is scheduled to be completed by the year 2013. Gowda also informed that the state government has released Rs 16 crore for the development of national highways and the deputy commissioners of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada district have released Rs 50 lac each for the highway repair, from out of the natural calamity fund.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, mayor Shankar Bhat, BJP district president Monappa Bhandary, vice-president Rukmaya Poojary and Nitin Kumar were present at the press conference.