Concrete works completed on time; TMC proves efficiency

Though the work was held up for six days due to unexpected rains in the first week of November, the town municipality could expedite the work in 45 days as per schedule. The concretisation work, which was started on October 26, was expected to be complete on Thursday. However, shortage of cement in the final stage delayed the work for another day. As a result, a small portion of the road stretch near Muthanna Circle is yet to be completed.

Town Municipal Commissioner K Srikanthrao told Deccan Herald that the road will be opened for public use on January 1, since it requires 21 days of curing. Though the supply of cement from Mysore was disrupted due to lorry strike, work was taken up on time, he added.

The concretisation of the 650 metre-long stretch between Madikeri Private Bus Stand and Mangerira Muthanna Circle was taken up using World Bank aid under KMRP Scheme. Earlier there was a plan to widen the road upto seven metres. However, considering the
convenience of commuters, the width of the road has been increased to 10 metres.

Accordingly, the estimate amount also has been increased from Rs 60.06 lakh to Rs 85 lakh, Srikanthrao said. The private bus stand was shifted to APMC compound temporarily to facilitate the road concrete works. Similarly, the KSRTC bus stand was also shifted to its depot temporarily. However, later KSRTC buses were allowed to enter KSRTC bus stand through Rajaseat Road considering public convenience. Earlier, people were opposing the concretisation work, as there was confusion regarding the speed of work. However, the Town Municipality has proved its efficiency by completing the work on time.
The road stretch between Indira Gandhi Circle and Kaveri Hall will be taken up for concretisation in the next phase. Meanwhile, Rs 39 lakh has been reserved for the construction of a tunnel between Hotel Choice premises to KSRTC bus stand. However, objection from some traders is hindering the commencement of tunnel work.