Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 26: A meeting on the proposed conversion of NH 17 between Kundapur and Suratkal into four-lane road, was held in the office of the deputy commissioner here, on Monday January 25.

Home minister, Dr V S Acharya, instructed the officials of National Highways Authority of India, who were present, to ensure that the works do not inconvenience the locals.  He also wanted them to build under passes and increase connecting roads to the national highways during the period the works are in progress. Acharya also wanted the officials to give importance to avoid damage or demolition of religious centres as far as possible.

He promised to put in efforts to get as much compensation as possible for those who will lose their lands because of the road widening work.

Project officer of NHAI, K M Hegde, said that the 90 kms stretch of NH 17 that includes stretch from Mangalore to Talapady, will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 674 crore. The contract for this work has been bagged by Navayuga Infrastructure Company from Hyderabad. The work involves building of lower level roads at ten places and two fly overs.  The two fly overs will come up at Pumpwell Circle in Mangalore and Tokkottu. By pass roads have been proposed at Mulky and Padubidri. Two truck terminals will come up. There is a proposal to build a 35 km-long service road for the convenience of the local people, he explained.

MP, D V Sadanand Gowda, said that the demand for laying of an express highway parallel to the Konkan Railway line, which has been mooted by some organizations, instead of widening of NH 17, can not be considered, as the NH 17 widening work is at tender stage. Acharya felt that the median break, provided to help cross the road as per the present plan, would be insufficient and needs to be provided additionally, at other convenient places too.

MLAs K Raghupati Bhat, Lalaji Mendon, MLC, Kota Srinivas Poojary, deputy commissioner, Hemalata, zilla panchayat chief executive officer, Pranesh Rao, and representatives of some organizations and committees were present.