Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Jul 9: The four-laning work on national highway 75 between B C Road and Addahole in Shiradi village, which had been stranded for the last four years, is showing signs of resumption. National Highways Authority of India is executing the widening work of this 64 km-long road.

A two-phase plan relating to the works has been prepared and tender process has been completed. It is learnt that two different companies have won the contract for the two stretches of the road.

The first phase of the highway widening is for 15 km between Addahole and Periyashanti. This contract has been allotted to Pune-based S M Authade Pvt Ltd for Rs 317 crore. The company has already identified the spot at Udane, Shiradi village and is preparing to install machinery. Both sides of this road has protected forest. Periyashanti is also a spot where wild animals including elephants cross the road. This has been identified as a special zone where elephant corridor and crossing bridge for other animals will be constructed

The second phase is of 49 km road from Periyashanti to B C Road. Estimate of Rs 1,600 crore had been prepared. The tender has been won by Hyderabad-based KNR company. Flyover will be built at Kalladka town on this stretch. Service roads at ten places including Uppinangady, and underpass roads will also be built. An overpass road is planned at the road bend leading to Dharmasthala at Periyashanti.

Madhusudan, range forest officer, Uppinangady, said that in the earlier proposal, the elephant corridor bridge construction was unscientific and hence the forest department had objected. Therefore the plan has been modified for which the forest department will cooperate, he stated.

Maheshwar Reddy, project manager of S M Authade, said that machinery is being installed and road work will begin as soon as the rainfall recedes.