Mangaluru: The road-widening initiative on the Padil-Pumpwell route, managed by Mangaluru Smart City Ltd. (MSCL), is anticipated to finalize by March 2024, announced Mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur.
Following an inspection of the roadwork’s progress, Mayor Kannur explained that the installation of natural gas pipelines by GAIL and drinking water supply pipelines via the ‘Jalasiri’ government scheme had caused delays in the road project. These utility pipelines are projected to be completed by the end of the current month.
This project aims to widen and enhance the 2.8-kilometer-long Padil-Pumpwell stretch, at a cost of ₹24 crore, forming part of MSCL’s 11 road projects. This stretch links National Highway 75 (Mangaluru-Bengaluru) to National Highway 66 (Kasaragod-Mangaluru-Udupi).
In addition to expanding the road to four lanes, which forms a crucial entry point for vehicles from Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Madikeri, MSCL intends to install streetlights along the stretch. An extra grant of ₹6 crore has been requested to construct retaining walls and other amenities on this road section.
Notably, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, representing Dakshina Kannada, expressed dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of the project during his visit. He urged the Mayor to maintain regular oversight, address issues, and expedite project completion.
During his inspection, Mayor Kannur walked along the 2.8-kilometer stretch, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Sunita, T. Praveen Chandra Alva (Leader of the Opposition in the Mangaluru City Corporation council), Sandeep (Kankanady Valencia Councillor), Shobha Poojary (Alape South Councillor), and Roopashri Poojary (Alape North Councillor). Officials from MCC, MSCL, KUIDFC, and GAIL were also in attendance.
Mayor Kannur expressed his dissatisfaction with GAIL regarding the delay in completing a 40-meter-long pipeline near the Gallery apartment in Padil for the past 18 months. He also questioned GAIL officials regarding the lengthy pipes left unused outside the Chief Conservator of Forests’ office. In addition, he reprimanded MSCL and MCC staff for the improper closure of a pit related to a leaking water supply line near the new Deputy Commissioner’s office. They were instructed to correctly fill the caved-in portion of the road near Capitanio School.
Auto-rickshaw drivers at Padil Junction requested the construction of a drain across the national highway to prevent flooding at the junction. They also called for streetlights and an improved bus stop. Councillor Shobha Poojary from Alape South requested speed bumps and repairs to a stormwater drain near Padil-Bajal Cross, while Councillor Sandeep demanded public restrooms at Pumpwell, Naguri, and Padil.
