The roads around Mangaladevi Temple in South Mangaluru sport contrasting looks.
While the road between St. Rita School and the temple, which was in good condition, has got a fresh coat of bitumen, the roads adjoining the area, including the Jeppu Market Road and the Mahakalipadpu Road, continue to sport potholes and craters.
State of disarray
The Mahakalipadpu Road from Morgans Gate till the railway level crossing has been in a state of disarray for long.
This stretch sees heavy vehicular movement as it is the main link between Mangaluru and its southern parts as well as Kasaragod.
Goods vehicles to and from Mangaluru Central Market, the fish harbour and other places use this road since it is a short-cut.
Mustafa, a mini-van driver said that negotiating Jeppu Market Road and Mahakalipadpu Road has always been complicated and axles and shock absorbers of many vehicles have got damaged.
The same is the case with Bolara Road between Jeppu Market and Mulihithlu Cross.
The road is about a foot below its shoulders and with the absence of stormwater drains on the shoulders, it becomes a canal during rain. “This road has been in the same condition for long,” rued Santosh, an autorickshaw driver.
More time
Bolara councillor Rathikala told The Hindu that a contract for asphalting the Mahakalipadpu Road at an estimated Rs. 25 lakh had just been awarded.
However, the contractor is apprehensive of the re-laid road getting damaged during rain and before his bills are cleared.
Hence, he has promised to fill the potholes now and relay the road soon after the monsoon, she said.
As far as Bolara road is concerned, Ms. Rathikala said that concreting the stretch between Jeppu Market and Mulihithlu Junction would be taken up within a week.
The stretch between Mulihithlu Junctin and Bolara Junction would be repaired under the MLA grants and it would take some more time, she said.
The councillor pointed out that the Jeppu Market-Morgans Gate road had already been concreted and so was the Gujjarkere Road.
She blamed funds crunch for not taking up all required road repair work.
