Udupi: Phase-II of Malpe-Manipal road in limbo

TNN

Udupi, 12 January 2011: The second phase of Malpe-Manipal road, undertaken by the state highway division of PWD, is progressing at a snail’s pace. While the first phase of the widening work of this road, which is a part of Malpe-Molakalmuru state highway, received much appreciation from the public and commuters, incompletion of the second phase has come under severe criticism.

 

The first phase was from Karvali Junction to Kadiyali, which passes through Udupi city bus stand and Kalsanka bridge. People heaved a sigh of relief when widening work started on this congested road three years ago. The road was dedicated for use last year. However, much to the disappointment of people, the second phase, a distance of 3.2 km from Kadiyali up to Syndicate Circle Manipal did not get the same attention and action from the authorities. The proposed railway overbridge work at Indrali, which is not taken up so far, and the incompletion of the widening work at Kundalkadu area at the Manipal entrance proved stumbling blocks for the second phase work.

 

 

Thousands of vehicles ply on Malpe-Manipal road everyday. People hope the authorities show the same urgency in completing the second phase, as they did in case of the first phase. Speaking to The Times of India on the status of the work, Suresh Shetty, executive engineer, PWD State Highways said, 90% of the second phase road widening work is completed. A short and vulnerable stretch at Kandalkadu area is incomplete as the land belonged to the Krishna Mutt. "We are awaiting the land acquisition officer to acquire the land from the legal owner of the land, so that we can go ahead with the work," he said. Regarding the the additional railway overbridge at Indrali, he said they are waiting for funds to take up the work. So far Rs 12.5 crore has been spent on this stretch in the second phase.

 

Sadhashiva Prabhu, assistant commissioner of Kundapur revenue sub-division confirmed the land acquiring process of Kundalkadu area is under process and would be completed soon and handed over to PWD.