MP urges NHAI to devise a plan for maintenance of highways and ease traffic congestion in Mangaluru

MP urges NHAI to devise a plan for maintenance of highways and ease traffic congestion in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 21, 2024: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has instructed officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to expedite the proposals for constructing vehicle overpasses (VOP) at Nanthoor and KPT Junctions on NH-66 in the city. During an official review meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office on Saturday, the MP stressed the need for the NHAI to establish a proper mechanism for implementing the projects. “A concrete solution should be found to ease the traffic congestion in the city by constructing VOPs at the earliest,” he said.

Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath, Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP, and City Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal highlighted the severity of the traffic congestion at Nanthoor and KPT junctions and called for an immediate remedy through the construction of VOPs.

The meeting also addressed matters related to shifting utility lines between Nanthoor and Karnataka Polytechnic Junctions to facilitate the construction of flyovers at these two locations on NH-66. The MP asked the NHAI to develop a plan for the maintenance and upkeep of the stretches of National Highways 66 and 75 between Surathkal and B.C. Road.

NHAI Project Director Abdulla Javed Azmi stated that while the authority plans to construct VOPs, they will also develop 7m service roads on both sides. He mentioned that the work on VOPs would begin initially, followed by the development of the service roads, and estimated that the project could be completed within two years from the start date. He also highlighted various other issues related to the shifting of utility lines. The MP directed the NHAI to collaborate with local corporators to address these issues.

Regarding a Miyawaki forest on the stretch, Anthony S Mariyappa, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), said he would facilitate a meeting with the NGOs that developed it. On the maintenance of the NH stretch between BC Road and Surathkal, the MP mentioned that a proposal would be submitted to the government soon. The NHAI Project Director informed that a proposal would be submitted to develop a flyover from Kuntikana to Pumpwell.

Later, the MP also held a meeting with landowners concerning the compensation for land acquisition made for the development of NH-169.