Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jun 10: Work on Kadri Park road, which has been undertaken under the smart city project to supplement tourism development, has been accelerated. In spite of lockdown, the work has been progressing briskly.

This project has a unique feature that makes it different from other smart city projects. Here, the trees are conserved as they are and the works supplement the picturesque nature. Therefore, the greenery and shadow atmosphere at the spot will remain as it is even in future.

The work is expected to be completed by February 2022. Work at the park has been progressing rapidly except for a three-month gap in between because of high court stay order.

It is an Rs 12 crore project. Most of the important and major stages like concrete, drain construction, underground cable, construction of ramp etc have been nearly completed. Most of the remaining works are the ones which require workmanship and skill. Fountain, mural, painting, tiling, plantation, pergola etc are pending. Even though they cost less, they need more time. Walking track and bicycle track are among the works envisaged. The works will continue even during the rainy season.

Kadri Park road has been divided into east zone, west zone, and middle zone in executing the work. The road between the Circuit House and Akashvani is east zone, while the stretch till Gorakshanatha Hall from the side of Padua high school is treated as western zone. Vehicles coming from these two directions have to take a U-turn at the end of their zones. The middle zone will join Kadri Park and Fountain Park into a single park. This happens to be the prominent feature of this project.

For the food stalls located by the side of the park, separate rooms are being constructed. The middle zone has no room for food. This space will house only stalls concerning handicrafts, and stalls dealing with different art forms of the district.

Arun Prabha K S, general manager of Mangaluru Smart City Ltd says that most of the works on east and west zones have been completed and the middle zone works are yet to begin, adding that work will gain speed and the plan is to compete the project within the deadline.