The much-beleaguered Shiradi Ghat stretch of Mangalore-Bangalore Highway will get a new lease of life with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) submitting a whopping Rs. 2,200-crore proposal to the government for developing Green Bypass Project for the stretch.
Replying to V. Sunil Kumar, Chief Whip of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Public Works Minister H.C. Mahadevappa said JICA submitted a proposal to develop the 18.5-km stretch Green Bypass comprising a 7.7 km-tunnel road bypass, 3.9-km stretch of High Arch Bridge and 6.9-km-long stretch of road.
The government had already invited feasibility for tunnel construction at the Shiradi Ghat section from 238 to 261.45 km of NH 48, he added.
Temporary stepsThe Public Works Department had also taken some temporary measures for the smooth flow of traffic.
Two heavy machines and a tractor had been stationed to clear roadblocks and fill potholes that obstruct traffic. Fifteen labourers were deployed to clear the blocks in case of exigencies, he explained.
He said the road had to be closed for two months to complete the work in the stipulated time and discussions would be held with the deputy commissioners of Hassan and Mangalore to monitor and coordinate in case of exigencies.
Mr. Mahadevappa said the Ministry of Surface Transport had approved a Rs.69.90-crore project for laying of concrete roads between 237 km and 250 km on NH 48. A Mangalore-based company had secured tender for the works and the process of procuring material was under way.
Similarly, the Surface Transport Ministry had approved projects to lay concrete on the stretch between 216 km and 237 km at a cost of Rs. 85.28 crore, he said. Tenders were invited for the work under the Engineering Procurement Construction model and July 19 would be the last date to receive tenders. “Work on both the projects will be completed as per the time stipulated in the tenders,” he said.
