Shiradi Ghat project still awaits approval at centre

Shiradi Ghat project still awaits approval at centre

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, April 8: The finance department of the central government has so far been withholding a proposal worth Rs 113 crore to concretize the Shiradi Ghat stretch of NH48 and thereby provide a permanent solution to the problem of potholes. 

The most experienced driver finds it difficult to drive along this stretch of NH48 at present. The road has been damaged beyond repair because of the movement of huge trucks loaded with iron ore for two years. Last year, it was repaired at a huge cost; but today, it is in the same condition. 

Last year, 13 bends of this 36km stretch were concretized. As estimate for the remaining 26kms was prepared and submitted to the central government for approval. The National Highways Department approved the project long back; however, the Finance Department has been hanging on to this file. Unless the Finance Department clears the file, the project cannot be started; and therefore, the tender processes have been withdrawn. 

None of the state leaders, irrespective of whether they belong to JDS, Congress, or BJP, have been able to convince the Finance Department at the centre to approve the project. But they had assured protestors that the required steps will be taken. The 36kms Shiradi Ghat stretch is now in such a pathetic condition that driving along it during the monsoon will be extremely dangerous. 

The concreting project should have taken off in November 2009 and completed by May 2010. Earlier, it was rumored that the funds sanctioned for this project were misappropriated. Now, it appears as if the project has not received approval. 

Nobody knows when the file will be cleared by the Finance Department. People commuting between Mangalore - Bangalore will have a tough time. Thankfully, the train service has come to the rescue of people who have to regularly move between Mangalore and Bangalore.