Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jul 1: Ircon International Limited, the firm which has bagged the contract to develop the Suratkal-BC Road stretch of the highway, has failed   to complete the four laning work of Suratkal-Mangalore section of the highway before June 30 as agreed.

As per the memorandum of understanding(MOU) entered into by the contractor firm with the New Mangalore Port Road Construction Company Ltd, which is a joint venture between National Highways Authority of India and New Mangalore Port Trust entrusted with the task of monitoring the road widening work, the contractor was given time till June 30 this year to complete the Suratkal-Manglore stretch of the road.

The union minister for state for road transport and highways K H Muniyappa has already indicated that the government will neither cancel the contract nor impose fine for the delay by enforcing the provisions of the MOU, as it would further delay the works. The government however, will press for an early execution of the contract work. Because of rains, the road works have suffered and final asphalting work of some sections of the road which have been otherwise completed, will take place only after the end of the monsoon season.