Minister for Public Works H.C. Mahadevappa on Saturday said the concreting of the 13-km stretch of Shiradi Ghat would be completed in about 10 days if it does not rain. Unexpected downpour for 21 days in April-May affected severely the progress of the work, he said. Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of improving the approach road to district court complex here, Mr. Mahadevappa said the government did not want to compromise with the quality of work.
Though the completion period was 18 months, the contractor had agreed to do the work within six months. However, the rain played the spoilsport, the Minister said. Though Shiradi Ghat, the lifeline of the State, has been in bad shape for years, Oscar Fernandes, as the then Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, sanctioned concreting work, Mr. Mahadevappa noted.
Of the 13-km stretch between Heggere and Kempuhole taken up for concreting in Package 1 at a cost of Rs. 70 crore, the 8-km stretch has fully been concreted by now. Concrete has also been laid for another 2 km on one half of the road. About 2 km of the road comprising 12 curves, that had been concreted two years ago, is not being touched; but is being strengthened and widened, Mr. Mahadevappa said.
The Minister said technical evaluation of bids is under progress for the second package of improving Shiradi Ghat. The package includes concreting another 13-km stretch between Kempuhole and Adda Hole (Gundia), and relaying bitumen between Marenahlli and Gulagalale (21 km).
Alternative roads
The department approved a plan to improve the 12-km stretch of Shishila-Byrapura road as an alternative to Shiradi Ghat. While Shishila is in Belthangadi Taluk, Byrapura is in Mudigere Taluk. Work on improving Bisile Ghat connecting Sakaleshapura and Kukke Subrahmanya too has been approved to be taken up at a cost of Rs. 24 crore, Mr. Mahadevappa said. The Charmadi Ghat is being widened and strengthened, he added.
Rajya Sabha Member Oscar Fernandes, Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology B. Ramanath Rai, Mangaluru South MLA J.R. Lobo, MLC Ivan D’Souza, Mayor Jasinta Vijaya Alfred, Principal District and Sessions Judge M.G. Uma and others were present.
