Organisations’ collective holds dharna demanding speedy completion of National Highway projects in Dakshina Kannada district

They expressed concern over the slow progress of widening of B.C. Road-Adda Hole stretch of NH 75 into four lanes, Bikarnakatte-Sanoor stretch of Mangaluru-Solapur NH 169, and and Punjalakatte-Charmadi stretch of Mangaluru-Tumakuru NH 73.

Members of Samana Manaska Sanghatanegalu (like-minded organisations) sat on a dharna demanding abolition of toll collection on Mangaluru-Bengaluru NH 75 at Brahmarakootlu near B.C. Road, speedy completion of ongoing National Highway projects in Dakshina Kannada district, and other demands, at Nanthoor Junction in Mangaluru, on February 5.

Leading the protest, convener of Tollgate Virodhi Horata Samithi, Surathkal, Muneer Katipalla said, “While establishing new toll plazas along the highways that are under development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) should strictly adhere to prescribed guidelines. Plazas should be established only at an interval of every 60 km as prescribed by the authority and the Union Road transport Ministry.”

Expressing concern over the slow progress of widening of B.C. Road-Adda Hole stretch of NH 75 into four lanes, Bikarnakatte-Sanoor stretch of Mangaluru-Solapur NH 169, and and Punjalakatte-Charmadi stretch of Mangaluru-Tumakuru NH 73, Mr. Katipalla urged the NHAI and the Ministry to hasten the pace of work. The abnormal delay in completing the projects has severely been affecting the common man, the economy and life in the district, he lamented.

The NHAI, Mr. Katipalla said, should immediately take up complete renewal of B.C. Road-Surathkal stretch of NH 75 and NH 66 Port Connectivity Road as they are afflicted by numerous potholes, craters and unscientific shoulder drains. Adequate shoulder drains and service roads should also be provided to the Port Connectivity Road besides speedy completion the ongoing six-lane new bridge across river Phalguni (Gurupura) at Kurloor on this stretch. The Authority should also expedite construction of the ongoing grade separator work at Nanthoor Junction in Mangaluru at the intersection of NH 75 and NH 66, he demanded.

Seeking the intervention of Karnataka Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi to set right the highway mess in the district, Mr. Katipalla said Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta should ensure the ongoing projects are completed at the earliest.

Mr. Katipalla warned that the Samana Manaska Sanghatanegalu would be forced to intensify the strife if the government fails to address their concerns.