Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Feb 15: "The most awaited and long cherished dream of residents here, will finally be realized. The Malpe-Padukere bridge will be inaugurated on March 11," said the district-in-charge and fisheries minister Pramod Madhwaraj addressing media persons during the inspection of the Malpe-Padukere bridge.

"The Malpe-Padukere bridge was proposed in 2013 during B S Yeddyurappa's tenure. Yet, all facilities were given after the Congress government came to power. We appointed a project management committee and provided basic necessities after I took charge as minister," he further informed.

"The bridge is being built at the cost of Rs 16.61 crore. The bridge measuring 430 metres in length and 5.5 metres width has been increased further. The construction of the bridge is still in progress. The work will be completed in the next 24 days. Rs 50 lac each at Padukerea and Malpe will be spent on the connecting the road to both sides of the bridge.

"The Padubidri beach must be on par with the standards of Malpe beach, and we will work together with the Malpe Beach Committee, to make that a reality," he said.

Vinaykumar, the PMD of the bridge project also addressed the media and said, "The construction of the bridge was halted due to geographical problems. The bridge that is being constructed where the sea and river meet, gets difficult to work on during the rains, due to a rise in water level."

Financial Compensation

The minister announced a compensation of Rs 5 lac for the family of the recently deceased wrestler from Malpe and the footing of all the hospital expenses by government.

Young wrestler Santhosh Hosamane (21) was admitted to a hospital after being injured during a match at the recently-concluded State Olympics Meet. He was shifted to Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital as his right thigh bone had been broken in the fight. On Monday night, he breathed his last due to a cardiac arrest from the complications that developed post-surgery.

Drought Areas

"The government has given permission to dig borewells in Udupi, Karkala and Kundapur districts. There was no permission granted earlier, but considering the drought situation in three districts, the government has allowed it. A private player will undertake the construction. Udupi is the first district to get permission after it was banned in the state," said minister Madhwaraj.

Tollgate

"I will work according to rules to help make KA 20 vehicles toll-free, after studying whether it's in the state or central government's jurisdiction to do it," Madhwaraj said.

While answering a question about KA 19 registered vehicles being toll-free at Suratkal, the minister said, "It is left to the discretion of the contractors. If NHAI did it, we too could apply the same rules here. As per my knowledge, it is the contractor's 'benevolent announcement'. Although, the credit was taken by the BJP leader there who announced it to get political mileage."

CMC vice-president Sandhya Thilak, CMC commissioner Manjunathayya and other members were present at the inspection of the Padukere bridge.