PWD faces challenge to complete four-lane work in 4 months

Mangaluru: The Public Works Department (PWD) has taken up the development of a four-lane road between Pumpwell (Mahaveer junction) and Karavali junction with a deadline of four months. However, the department is facing major challenges in shifting underground utilities along the stretch, which could delay the project beyond the stipulated period.Mangaluru City police have already imposed traffic restrictions on the stretch until June 15. According to officials, underground drainage (UGD) lines and other utility connections must be shifted before starting the concrete road work. Any delay in shifting these utilities could extend the four-month timeline. The project, sanctioned during 2022–23, is estimated to cost Rs 4 crore.The project involves the construction of a 600-metre cement concrete (CC) road from Pumpwell to Karavali junction. Both sides of the stretch will have 7-metre-wide CC roads. MCC is responsible for developing the median, drains, and utility ducts on both sides, a PWD official said.The MCC has already begun utility-shifting work. However, the major drinking water pipeline supplying water from Thumbe dam, which runs beneath the stretch, will not be relocated as part of the project. As per the tender conditions, the total project duration is 11 months, of which four months have been allocated for road construction. Officials said concrete work on one side of the road could be completed within this period.Work on the other side, which is currently open to vehicular traffic, is expected to begin after the first phase is completed. As a result, traffic restrictions on the stretch may continue beyond June 15, officials added.MLA conducts site inspectionMangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath conducted a site inspection along with officials from various departments, including the PWD, MCC, Mescom, KUIDFC, and police department on Sunday."During the previous BJP govt's term, Rs 4 crore was sanctioned for the development work of this road, and even the groundbreaking ceremony was conducted. However, after the Congress came to power in the state, all projects were halted, leading to setbacks. As a result, people faced issues, and after several appeals to minister Satish Jarkiholi, the project restarted," the MLA claimed.Meanwhile, MLC Ivan D'Souza said that he would convene a meeting to expedite the work.