PWD proposes to build five helipads in DK, says Satish Jarkiholi

PWD proposes to build five helipads in DK, says Satish Jarkiholi

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, February 19, 2025: Minister for Public Works Satish Jarkiholi said here on Tuesday that his department has proposed to construct five helipads in Dakshina Kannada, including three at Mary Hill in Mangaluru.

In addition, a helipad each in Mottethadka in Puttur taluk and Mulya-Ajjavara in Sullia taluk have been proposed, he said at a meeting to review the projects of the department in the district.

Referring to an allegation by Harish Poonja, Belthangady MLA, that a construction agency was delaying the Charmadi Ghat widening project, the Minister said that it will be discussed in the meeting of officials in Bengaluru on Friday.

Earlier, Mr. Poonja said that Charmadi Ghat is a critical ghat that connects Mangaluru with the hinterland. The agency which has been awarded with the widening project has so far not commenced the works. This agency has history of delaying projects assigned to it, he claimed.

An official from the national highways division of PWD said the construction agency was presently doing a survey of the project. The agency bagged the contract by quoting ₹180 crore, which was 40% below the estimated project cost.

In the Friday meeting, the Minister said he will discuss with NHAI officials about the proposed tunnelling project on Shiradi Ghat and progress of the ongoing Adda Hole- B.C. Road four-lane project.

D. Vedavyasa Kamath, Mangaluru City South MLA, and Manjunath Bhandary, MLC, pointed to the damage by illegal sand extraction to bridges, including the one at Polali-Addur. The two said PWD should take steps to stop sand extraction near the bridges.

“We will issue necessary instructions from Bengaluru,” Mr. Jarkiholi said. The government will give priority for protection and repair of bridges, he added.  

On the demand for a new circuit house at Kadri in Mangaluru, the Minister said that it will be taken up.

The PWD has proposed to construct a commercial complex building at Nellikatte in Puttur, which will be adjacent to the KSRTC bus stand. Design of the building will be ready in six months, he said.

Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MP, Umanath A. Kotian, Moodbidri MLA, Ashok Kumar Rai, Puttur MLA, and Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan participated in the meeting.