Accelerate National Highway Projects in Udupi: Dr. Vidya Kumari
Udupi, December 14, 2024: Dr. Vidya Kumari, the Deputy Commissioner of Udupi, has called for an increase in the pace of ongoing national highway projects in the district, highlighting the inconvenience caused to the public due to delays. She urged the concerned authorities to speed up the processes and complete the projects at the earliest.
Addressing a review meeting at the District Commissioner’s office in Manipal on Friday, Dr. Vidya Kumari discussed issues related to potholes, poor street lighting, drainage construction, and damaged pedestrian walkways along National Highways 66, 169, and 169A.
She pointed out that the delay in the land acquisition process for the stretch between Karavali Junction and Malpe was further hindering progress. Dr. Vidya Kumari instructed revenue officials and engineers from the National Highways Authority to prioritize fair compensation to landowners and expedite land acquisition to allow road development to proceed without further delay.
“The delays in land acquisition are causing setbacks. Despite regular updates being requested from senior state government officials every 15 days, the process has not met the expected standards. Those responsible for the delay will be held accountable,” she said, adding that the land acquisition process must be completed within 10 days.
Dr. Vidya Kumari also raised concerns over the slow progress of the steel girder installation for the Indrali railway overbridge on NH-169. The project, originally scheduled for completion by December 25, is behind schedule. She emphasized the need for improved coordination between National Highways and Railway engineers to ensure the work is completed quickly.
The Deputy Commissioner further instructed officials to complete the Santhekatte underpass project before March and to prioritize the maintenance work on national highways to ensure smooth traffic for the public.
The meeting was attended by Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Boyl, Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K, DFO Ganapathi, Wildlife DFO Shivaram M Babu, Assistant Commissioner Maheshchandra, NHAI Project Director Abdullah Mohammed Azmi, Assistant Executive Engineer Manjunath from the Sringeri-Chikkamagaluru NH Division, District Information Officer Manjunath B, contractors, and other officials.
