MP inspects NH-75, asks officials to solve flooding issue

Chowta says NHAI planning to complete at least two lanes between BC Road, Periyashanti by May-end to ease traffic

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Udupi

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is planning to complete at least two lanes of NH-75 between BC Road and Periyashanti by May-end in order to ease the traffic on the busy Mangaluru-Bengaluru road.

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, along with NHAI project director Abdulla Javed Azmi, held a physical inspection of the stretch on Thursday. The MP said from June when the monsoon begins there will be less trouble for road users on this stretch as at least two lanes will be fully concrete except at Neeralkatte which requires blasting of rocks.

The BC Road to Periyashanti is a 48-km stretch out of which concrete works on 35.35 km has been completed so far.

NHAI officials attributed the delay to the rock blasting happening at several places, especially at places where the highway is being straightened by removing curves. Also, slope cutting of 25 lakh cubic metre is underway. "Controlled blasting is happening as people live nearby and it's time-consuming," the MP said.

Azmi said over 90 per cent of works on flyovers at Panemangaluru, Mellkar, Mani, and Uppinangady has been completed except near places where rock blasting is required. He said Kalladka flyover is most likely to be opened by May 1. Mani flyover is half completed and it will be fully ready by the end of March. Panemangaluru and Melkar flyovers are at the final stage and will be completed by February end, he added.