Only 30% of work on widening NH 75 between B.C. Road and Periyashanthi is completed after 500 days

The work commenced on November 23, 2021, and was to be completed in 730 days, that is by November 23, 2023

Motorists and residents between B.C. Road and Pariyashanthi (48 km) on Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway 75 are irked with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for not even completing 50% of the four-lane work even 500 days after commencing the project.

The work commenced on November 23, 2021, and was to be completed in 730 days, that is by November 23, 2023. KNR Construction was awarded the contract to widen the highway at an estimated cost of ₹1,100 crore under engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode wherein the NHAI would fund the entire project.

Periayshanthi-B.C. Road stretch was under Package 2 of the Addahole-B.C. Road four-lane project while Periyashanthi-Addahole (15 km) was under Package 1, which is being executed by S.M. Autade at an estimated cost of ₹400 crore.

“How long should we endure the dust, the slush and the battered road stretch,” questioned Ramesh Poojari, a resident of Kalladka.

NHAI did not compel the contractor to provide a proper service road, or even a motorable road, while it executes the widening work. The work area was not separated from the main carriageway, thereby endangering road users’ safety. The work on the nearly 2-km flyover passing through Kallada town has been under way for over 15 months with no sings of completion, Mr. Poojari said.

Dust and slush

Ramesh Kanchan from Puttur said, initially, travellers had to endure dust clouds. Upon public backlash, the contractor began sprinkling water on the carriageway. This has only enhanced the woes of the general public, as they are now forced to travel through slush. Non-asphalted and pothole-ridden road surface are the other grave issues haunting motorists, Mr. Kanchan said.