Dinesh Gundu Rao, the district in-charge minister, has instructed National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials to promptly repair all national highways in Dakshina Kannada district to ensure they are travel-worthy. Speaking at a meeting held at the DC’s office in the city on Monday, Gundu Rao emphasized the importance of monsoon preparations.
The minister directed NHAI officials to repair the BC Road-Kalladka-Mani stretch within a week, ensure proper drainage for rainwater, and develop roads for smooth traffic movement. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring of road conditions and immediate repairs if they deteriorate during the monsoon. Gundu Rao expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed construction of stormwater drains on the Kalladka highway.
The issue was highlighted by Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai. MLC Harish Kumar noted that highway extension work on the Punjalakatte-Charmady stretch is currently affecting traffic flow.
Deputy Commissioner Mullai Mugilan reported that the mud piled under the new under-construction bridge at Kulur poses a risk to the river’s flow, potentially leading to the collapse of the existing bridge. He urged NHAI officials to clear the mud promptly.
NHAI official Naveen assured that work is in progress to clear the mud below the new Kulur bridge, prioritizing smooth traffic flow on the Kalladka highway.
The meeting was attended by President of Cashew Development Corporation Mamata Gatty, CEO of Zilla Panchayat Dr. Anand K, Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal, SP Ryshyanth C B, and other department officials.