Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 26: It is gathered that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has submitted a proposal to the union ministry of road transport and highways, recommending to convert the current four-lane highway between B C Road and Suratkal into six-lane highway. The proposed width of the road is 60 metres as against the current 30 to 35 metres, and bridges too are proposed to be widened, and new underpasses have been proposed. The highway will also have two-lane service road on both sides. The length of the stretch proposed to be developed is 37 km.

The authority wants to widen the road in view of increased density of traffic on this stretch of the highway. The estimated cost of this new project is Rs 925 crore and the department will begin processes relating to highway widening once the proposal sent now gets the ministry's green signal.

Out of the above, the seven km stretch between Bykampady and Kuntikan is proposed to be concreted as this stretch has been identified as getting affected by waterlogging during rainy season under which circumstances, asphalted roads do not last. The current highway as well as service roads flanking it will also be concreted if the ministry gives clearance.

At the same time, it is learnt that the construction of a flyover has been recommended near KPT at Kadri in the city. If everything goes on smoothly and procedures move swiftly, the project may undergo tendering process during the next year. Underpasses have been proposed near Suratkal Vidyadayini school, Honnakatte Junction at Kulai and Panambur junction. A new six-lane bridge has been recommended at Kulur between the two bridges currently functional. Once the new bridge materializes, the existing two bridges will be treated as service roads, it is learnt.