Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 29: "National highway 66 stretch at Panambur, Bykampady and Suratkal areas are in very bad condition. It has become impossible to drive vehicles at these places. We will file public interest litigation against this situation," said state secretary of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), P K Suresh.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday December 28, Suresh stated that a sum of eight crore rupees has been released for undertaking repairs on the highway. He resented the fact that against the promise of beginning works by December 15, repair work has not been undertaken so far. He warned that protest by blockade of national highway 66 would be launched from January 1 onward if repair work does not start by the end of this month. He asserted that this protest will be on a large scale.

"Even though the highway here is in very bad shape, toll charges are being collected at three places between B C Road and Padubidri. The highway and MP concerned are not showing interest in repairing the highway. How can one collect toll charges if the highway is not in good shape?" he wanted to know.

INTUC Dakshina Kannada district president, Manohar Shetty, district vice president, Stevan D'Souza and general secretary, Chittaranjan Shetty Bondala , were present at the press conference.