Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Nov 19: MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel, said that the works on Pumpwell flyover in the city have almost been complete and it would be ready by February next.

He conveyed this information to media persons after visiting the flyover site on Sunday, November 18.

He said that in respect of the flyover at Thokkottu, the work of providing connectivity to service road is pending, and it would be ready by December end. He accused the state government of failing to clear roadside buildings.

"On account of shifting of the 'Kalasha' standing at the centre of Pumpwell circle and repeated changes in the design of the nearby new service bus stand, changes had to be made in the design of the flyover. Although the work began in 2010 on book, real work began after 2016. Therefore, the previous deputy commissioner of the district and in-charge minister of the district, are responsible for this delay," he stated.

Agreeing that Navayuga Infra, which is executing the project, had suffered from financial problems in between, but all these issues have been sorted now. "Thokkottu flyover will be dedicated to the world in January and Pumpwell flyover by February," he explained.

Kateel clarified that he is not in favour of merging Hejamady and Suratkal tollgates. Instead, he wants tollgates at Panemangaluru and Suratkal to be merged. "We have already taken up this issue with union minister for highways, Nitin Gadkari. If the state government puts up the same demand on the basis of recommendation of the regional officials, this demand might be met," he stated.