M’luru: Complete all highway projects within deadline: MP Brijesh Chowta instructs NHAI officials

Team Udayavani, Jun 20, 2024, 11:15 AM IST

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta has directed the highway authority officials to systematically and methodically execute all ongoing National Highway projects in the district.

During a progress review meeting held at the District Commissioner’s office on Wednesday, he emphasized the importance of completing the BC Road-Addahole, Sanur-Bikarnakatte, and Punjalkatte-Charmadi highway projects. Completion of these projects is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the district, he said.

Deadline Set for July 5

Expressing dissatisfaction with the progress of the BC Road-Addahole project, MP Chowta stressed that the public’s patience should not be tested further. Public transportation users, especially those using buses and two-wheelers, have been facing severe issues for several months.

He urged the highway authority to utilize all resources and manpower to ensure smooth traffic flow at Melkar, Kalladka, Mani, and Uppinangady junctions by July 5.

He suggested following the model used for maintaining the Talapady-Kasaragod four-lane highway efficiently.

For the Karkala-Moodbidri-Mangaluru highway, Chowta instructed the completion of all works except for problematic sections. He also called for the rapid transfer of acquired land to the highway authority for the Moodbidri bypass construction.

Kuloor Bridge Work Stalled

MP Chowta received updates on the Kuloor Bridge project and the construction of a new bridge. The National Highway Authority Project Director, Abdullah Javed Azmi, reported that the work is currently stalled. Considering the seriousness of this issue, the MP directed the DC to bring it to the attention of higher officials.

After reviewing Kotara Chowki service road, KPT overpass, Padua junction, and Nanthoor flyover, Chowta called for a separate meeting would be convened soon to resolve all issues and commence works.

Chowta also highlighted that despite having service roads along NH-66, frequent accidents still occur, causing loss of life. He instructed NHAI officials to prepare a detailed report on the construction of a comprehensive service road from Talapady to Hejamady.

Further, Chowta acknowledged the widespread public dissatisfaction with the maintenance of the BC Road to Surathkal highway by the highway authority. He suggested exploring the possibility of assigning this maintenance work to other agencies.

PWD National Highway Division Officer Shivaprasad Ajila stated that temporary measures have been taken to ensure smooth traffic flow. He mentioned that a 9 km service road from Guruvayanakere to Ujire is planned, and all current obstacles to smooth traffic flow have been addressed.

The meeting was attended by DC Mullai Muhilan, Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr. Anand K, Puttur Subdivision Officer Jubin Mahapatra, IAS Officer P. Shravan Kumar, and MCC Commissioner Anand.

Rapid Implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission Directed

Mangaluru: MP Brijesh Chowta has directed officials for the expedited completion of works related to the construction of a plastic park in Ganjimath.

Chairing the review meeting of Central Government schemes at the DC’s office on Wednesday, he said that halting the 104-acre plastic park project due to minor issues is unacceptable.

Approved years ago, the project has a budget of Rs 32 crore, yet the work remains stalled. Completion of this project is expected to provide employment to thousands.

Chowta told the officials to formulate an action plan and proceed with the work.

Reviewing the Jal Jeevan Mission aimed at providing household water supply, he insisted that delays are unacceptable. The project must be implemented effectively to ensure a steady supply of drinking water. He instructed the ZP CEO to inform and publicize the scheme among the public adequately.

Under the employment guarantee scheme, bank loans should only be granted to eligible individuals. Loans from other schemes should not be approved under the PMEGP scheme, Chowta said and directed the lead bank officials to ensure compliance.

The MP urged all banks to appropriately use their CSR funds for public welfare activities and emphasized the need to appoint Kannada-speaking officers and staff in rural bank branches.