National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will undertake a clearance drive of encroachments on the flanks of Port Connectivity Road- B.C. Road (NH 75) to Surathkal (NH 66)- between December 23 and January 10.
The agency was coming under severe criticism from the public as well as elected representatives for its failure to clear the encroachments as well as take possession of some of the acquired properties for widening the highway.
Since it had expressed difficulty in clearing the encroachment because of various factors, the district administration has assured police protection to undertake the drive. Following a request made by Project Director P. Samson Vijay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner S. Sasikanth Senthil recently wrote to Mangaluru City and Dakshina Kannada District police authorities requesting police protection for the same.
In phases
Mr. Vijay Kumar has now informed the district administration that the drive would be undertaken in phases throughout the section and sought police protection.
While the drive would be undertaken between Surathkal and Vidyadayini School on December 23, Vidyadayini to Kulur would be undertaken from December 26; Kulur to Nanthoor Junction from December 28; Nanthoor Junction to Padil Junction from December 30; Padil to Farangipet from January 2; Farangipet to Brahmarakootlu Toll Plaza from January 4, and from Brahmarakootlu to B.C. Road from January 5.
NHAI would have to take possession of a few acquired properties between Brahmarakootlu and B.C. Road.
