Karnataka seeks nod from Centre for construction of tunnel in Shiradi Ghat to improve connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru

Construction of the tunnel is a long-pending project. The proposal had been moved during the tenure of the Congress-led UPA government (2004-14) at the Centre. The project would not just be a permanent solution to reduce accidents on the route, but would also save time for travellers.

A delegation led by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in Delhi on June 28 with a request to approve more a dozen projects, including construction of a tunnel in Shiradi Ghat (from KM 237 to 263 on Maranahalli to Addahole section) of NH 75 (old NH 48) to improve the connectivity between New Mangaluru Port and Bengaluru to boost economic activities in the State.

Construction of the tunnel is a long-pending project. The proposal had been moved during the tenure of the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre. The project would not just be a permanent solution to reduce accidents on the route, but would also save time for travellers.

Last year, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi said that the government planned to build three tunnels over a distance of 3.8 km, and a 10-km flyover between Maranahalli and Addahole on the 30-km stretch of Shiradi Ghat. Such tunnels can be seen in Kashmir and some other States in forest areas.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Mr. Jarkiholi, Ministers K.J. George and G. Parameshwara were part of the delegation.

The other proposals submitted to Mr. Gadkari were:

The State Government also sought the Centre’s nod for:

The delegation urged the Centre to clear the widening of the stretch of NH-766 (old NH-212) connecting Kerala-Karnataka border to Kollegal via Gundlupet, Nanjangud and Mysuru (length of 106.60 km) to either 4 or 6 lanes.