Pics: Franklin D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JS/EP)

Udupi, Mar 10: Union minister Shobha Karandlaje laid the foundation on Friday for works to develop the four-lane road from Karavali Junction to Malpe at a cost of Rs 70 crores.

She said that the development of the road was a long pending demand of the locals. “Traffic density is more here due to the presence of fisheries port and Malpe beach. There were several accidents due to the narrow road. It will be possible to perform more economic and tourism activities here after the road is widened. People should cooperate during the acquisition of land for the works and to complete the work on time,” she said.

“The national highway was constructed in an unscientific manner earlier causing problems in Santhekatte, Ambalpady and Katpady. The service road also was not constructed properly. However, an overpass is being constructed at Santhekatte with help from the Centre at a cost of Rs 27 crore. The underpass construction at Ambalpady at a cost of Rs 25 crore will also begin soon,” she said.

MLA Raghupathi Bhat welcomed and said that road works costing Rs 350 crore are being laid from Karavali junction to Malpe and owners vacating their land for the purpose will be paid suitable compensation.

Udupi municipal council president Sumitra R Nayak, vice-president Lakshmi Manjunath, standing committee president Sreesha Kodavooru, fishermen union president Dayananda Suvarna, Mattaru Rathnaker Hegde and others were present.

Municipal council member Sundar Kalmadi rendered the vote of thanks.