JOIN USPlanning a visit to the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi via Shiradi Ghat? Then, do it before the next rainy season. Presently, the Sakaleshpur-BC Road stretch is motorable. But y mid-rainy season (July-August), driving through the section could be a nightmare.
The Public Works Department (NH Zone), Mangalore Division, has filled potholes on the Shiradi stretch between December 15 and January 19.
“We have completed phase I; phase II is yet to begin. Asphalting has to be done. Contractors shy away from taking up work on this particular road. The contractor who is willing to do the work says he has no money to invest. He expects the government to advance money. And, the government is yet to release funds,” said Krishne Gowda, Executive Engineer, NH, Mangalore Division.
But how long will the repaired road last? “Just till mid-June or August. In rainy season, the road will again turn treacherous, ” Gowda said.
What’s ailing the road? “The road has inherent problems like a weak foundation. It was a village road, which has been upgraded to a national highway over a period. The road is not designed for movement of heavy vehicles. Heavy rains as well as seepage of water damage the road.
We get annual maintenance funds of Rs 75 lakh from the Centre, and Rs five crore from the State. The foundation should be re-laid, keeping the present needs in view. A four-lane concrete road with proper drainage system is needed,” Gowda said.
K S Krishna Reddy, Chief Engineer, PWD (NH Zone) says widening of the road can be planned only if land is available. “A proposal to improve the road was sent to the Centre three years ago and a response is still awaited. It is not that we can’t build a quality road. NH engineers have built many roads of international standards. First, we should decide the type of road we want to have,” he said.