A 26-km stretch of the Mangalore–Bangalore national highway 75 passing through Shiradi Ghat will be developed as a concrete road while the remaining 21-km ghat road will be asphalted. The total cost of developing the 47-km stretch has been estimated at Rs. 155 crore.
Sources in the Mangalore division of the National Highways, under State Public Works Department, told The Hindu that the works would be taken up in three contract packages.
Sources said that 26-km stretch of the highway between Adda Hole (starting point of the Shiradi Ghat in Dakshina Kannada) and Heggade (in Hassan district) would be concreted in two contract packages at an estimated cost of Rs. 120 crore. The 21-km stretch between Heggadde and Gulagalale (near Sakleshpur in Hassan district) would be asphalted at an estimated cost of Rs. 35 crore.
Contract awardedThey said that Ocean Constructions, Mangalore, has bagged the contract for concreting the 13-km stretch from Heggadde to Kempu Hole forest guesthouse for Rs. 69.9 crore.
Bids had been invited for concreting the remaining 13-km stretch between Kempu Hole forest guesthouse and Adda Hole and asphalting the 21-km stretch from Heggadde to Gulagalale. The last date for submitting bids is July 19.
In 18 monthsSources said Ocean Constructions would begin the work after the rainy season ends, probably in October. The work order was issued on May 24 and the contractor would have to complete the work within 18 months.
Sources said the department wanted the work on the carriageway to be completed within five months.
Closed for traffic?The 13-km stretch of the ghat road is expected to be closed for traffic after this rainy season for concreting. Sources said no decision had been taken on how long the stretch should be closed and from when.
