Closure of Shiradi Ghat to be decided after DC's spot inspection

District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai said that the deputy commissioner and PWD officials will conduct a survey of Shiradi Ghat to decide on the closure or to allow light vehicles to ply while Phase 2 of Shiradi Ghat stretch is initiated.

Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, Rai said, "The work has already been delayed, but the quality of work and interest of the public should be considered. The bridges on the alternative roads identified are not strong enough for heavy vehicles."

Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U T Khader said before starting the work on Shiradi Ghat, the work on developing and widening Charmadi Ghat stretch should be initiated.

Puttur MLA Shakunthala Shetty said there is no need to close the road from Addahole to Kempuhole at one stretch. "The road from Shiradi Ghat to Gundya can be kept open, to let vehicles move via Kaikamba-Kadaba-Uppinangady. The movement of vehicles can be allowed while taking up the work on drains on the Shiradi stretch," she added.

Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil said, to accelerate the work on Shiradi Ghat stretch, sand from two blocks from non-CRZ area will be given to the PWD.

Ramesh, executive engineer of National Highways division of the State Public Works Department said Phase 2 of the Shiradi Ghat covers 13 km at a cost of Rs 61.57 crore. "The work would be completed in five months. Tender order has been issued. To maintain quality, machines have been imported from foreign countries. The movement of vehicles should be banned to maintain the quality of work," he suggested.