Work on NH 17 may be completed by year-end

MANGALORE: The National Highways Authority of India may complete work on National Highway 17 by December-end.

Participating in a meeting on infrastructure development organised here on Thursday by the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav said that officials of the NHAI had promised him that the work on the highway in the Kottara Chowki, Kuloor and Bykampady areas would be completed by the year-end.

However, commuters in the city have to be patient as work on construction of storm water drains and footpaths of many concrete roads could only be taken up when the State Government approved another instalment of Rs. 100 crore, he said.

The chamber also proposed to set up a fishing harbour at Kulai-Hosabettu. Mr. Prabhu said that if the total cost of the project was within Rs. 100 crore, the Centre would bear the expenses. However, if it exceeded, the Centre would bear 75 per cent of the project cost, he said. The proposed harbour would ease many of the problems being faced by fishermen.

Mr. Yadav said that the district administration would look into the matter.

The KCCI also pushed for setting up of a cricket stadium of international standards in Mangalore. Mr. Prabhu had included it on his agenda for the year when he took charge as president. Mangalore Zonal convenor of the Karnataka Cricket Association Manohar Amin urged the Deputy Commissioner to help procure 25 acres of land for the stadium.

Land had been identified in PiIikula, Shaktinagar and Tannirbhavi, but it was not suited for a cricket stadium, he said.

Courtesy : The Hindu - Nov 5,2010