Two lanes to be completed by May: MP

Mangaluru: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to finish a minimum of two-lane construction on NH-75 between BC Road and Periyashanthi by the end of May this year. This development will help reduce traffic congestion on the heavily used Mangaluru-Bengaluru route, according to Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta.
The MP, accompanied by NHAI project director Abdulla Javed Azmi, conducted an on-site inspection of the road segment on Thursday. The MP assured that starting in June, during the monsoon period, motorists would experience fewer difficulties on this route as a minimum of two lanes would be completely concreted, except Neerakatte, where rock blasting operations are necessary.
Out of the 48 km stretch from BC Road to Periyashanthi, concrete works on 35.3 km were completed so far, he said. NHAI authorities explained that the primary cause of the delay was due to rock blasting operations occurring at numerous locations, particularly where road straightening work is underway to eliminate curves. Additionally, there is ongoing slope cutting work involving 25 lakh cubic metres of material. The MP clarified that because of residential areas in proximity, controlled blasting techniques are being employed, which requires additional time.
The NHAI project director said, barring a few places where rock blasting is required, work related to flyovers at Panemangaluru, Melkar, Mani, and Uppinangady has achieved over 90% completion. The flyover at Kalladka is likely to be opened by May 1, while the Mani flyover will be ready by the end of March. Meanwhile, Panemangaluru and Melkar flyovers are at the final stage of work and will be ready by the end of Feb. Over 95% of work on the Addahole to Periyashanthi section of NH is complete. A toll plaza will come up at Neerakatte.
According to NHAI officials, the Uppinangady junction will be ready by the end of May and work on Narayana Guru Circle will begin by the end of Feb to complete it by the end of May.
Complaints flood
People poured their woes regarding the inconveniences they face during the ongoing highway works when the MP conducted the inspection. While many complained about having no direct access to their villages after the development of the highway, some expressed apprehension about possible flooding during the monsoon due to the increased height of the highway.
The MP instructed the officials to resolve the issues and also directed them to sprinkle water to solve the issue of dust during the work. The MP also promised to consider the development of a foot-overbridge at Soorikumeru.