Mangaluru: MLC Ivan D’Souza has urged the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner to expedite pending infrastructure works along the road from Karavali Circle to Pumpwell (Mahaveera Circle), including the installation of streetlights and laying of interlocking tiles on both sides of the road.

The works, estimated to cost Rs 40 lakh, are expected to improve pedestrian facilities, road safety and overall infrastructure along one of the important stretches in Mangaluru city.

D’Souza visited the road on Tuesday and inspected the development works completed by the Public Works Department (PWD). During the inspection, he called for the early completion of the remaining works so that the road could be made fully accessible with the necessary facilities.

Rs 4 crore spent on Karavali Circle-Mahaveera Circle road

The road connecting Karavali Circle and Mahaveera Circle at Pumpwell has been developed by the Public Works Department at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore.

The concreting work on both sides of the road has been completed. The development was also planned keeping in view the requirements of underground drainage (UGD) infrastructure, D’Souza said.

He stressed that the remaining works, particularly the installation of streetlights and the laying of interlocking tiles along both sides, should be completed without further delay.

The proposed Rs 40 lakh expenditure is intended to provide the necessary supporting infrastructure along the developed stretch. Streetlights are expected to improve visibility for motorists and pedestrians, particularly during night-time, while interlocking tiles will improve pedestrian movement along the roadside.

Balmatta-Karavali Circle road project to begin soon

D’Souza also pointed out that the road development project from Balmatta to Karavali Circle in Kankanady was yet to be taken up.

The project has been estimated at Rs 1.21 crore and will be implemented under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojana. According to the MLC, the work is expected to commence within a few days.

The project is among the infrastructure initiatives planned to improve road connectivity and civic facilities in different parts of Mangaluru.

The development of these road stretches is expected to strengthen connectivity between important localities and improve commuting conditions for residents and other road users.

Rs 400 crore development works approved for 60 wards

D’Souza said the recent Karnataka State Cabinet meeting had approved development works worth approximately Rs 400 crore covering all 60 wards of Mangaluru City Corporation.

The funds will be utilised for a range of infrastructure improvements across the city, including the development of major roads and internal ward roads, construction of drains and retaining walls, and strengthening of underground drainage and drinking water facilities.

The proposed projects are intended to address infrastructure requirements across different neighbourhoods and improve essential civic amenities.

He said the tendering process for the approved projects was expected to begin shortly. Once the process is completed, the works will be taken up in phases across the corporation’s jurisdiction.

The proposed investment is expected to cover both major infrastructure corridors and smaller internal roads, along with drainage and water supply facilities that directly affect residents.

Pending works to be prioritised before public use

D’Souza said the state government was committed to the overall development of Mangaluru and that infrastructure projects in different parts of the city would receive priority.

With rainfall reducing, pending development works are expected to gather pace. He emphasised the need to complete ongoing and proposed projects quickly so that they could be opened for public use without unnecessary delays.

The inspection of the Karavali Circle-Pumpwell stretch comes amid wider efforts to improve Mangaluru’s road network and civic infrastructure. The completion of the remaining streetlighting and pedestrian facilities, along with the proposed Balmatta-Karavali Circle project, is expected to contribute to improved urban mobility.

With approximately Rs 400 crore worth of development works approved for the city’s 60 wards, the forthcoming tender process will be an important step towards taking up the proposed infrastructure improvements across Mangaluru.