Notice sent for highway repairs: Nalin

The national highways in DK district have changed from two-lane roads to four-lane road and yet, accidents have become a common sight. Udayavani had published a reality report regarding this disorder. Here is an interview with MP Nalin Kumar in which he has responded to the question put forth by Udayavani in this regard.

What action has been taken to repair the dilapidated national highways?

The national highways have developed potholes due to the heavy rains in the district. Since the rain is still continuing, it is hindering repair work. The contracting company L&T has informed that the four-lane work between B C Road – Addahole is in progress and maintenance work will be undertaken without hindering traffic movement. I have asked the officials to repair all the highways and PWD roads in the district within October.

Who is responsible for the repair?

Navayuga company which is constructing the national highway is also responsible for the repair of the roads for 30 years. The tender for the maintenance of the roads constructed by IRCON has been given for three years.

The highways are becoming accident zones and what action have you taken in this regard?

The concerned departments have identified accident prone zones and taken action to provide relief. Straightening of roads with bends and installation of signage board for motorists is being done.

What is your take on the allegation that the present national highways are unscientific?

There are guidelines for highway construction. They need to be followed. Earlier constructed highways must have been so. But the design for the newly constructed highways has been changed several times and and speeds of up to 170 km/hr can be achieved. If there is a problem anywhere, it will be brought to the notice of the department.

There is a rise in barricades on the highway?

According to calculations, barricades cannot be installed along the highway. But, post discussion during the road safety committee meeting; the police have installed barricades to reduce accidents. I’ll ask for the installation of barricades at very essential points.

On what phase in the B C Road – Addahole road works?

The pace of the road work has dropped due to some technical issues. The road is getting upgraded into a four-lane road, and presently, it will be widened by 5 meters on either side. The additional land acquisition for this purpose has reached the last phase. The work will start again once the rain stops.

Highway authority responds to the campaign

Udayavani’s “How safe in the NH?” campaign attracted attention towards the in-reality state of the national highways in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts  and the problems caused by them. Responding to the campaign, the highway authority has come forward to resolve the problem. Speaking to Udayavani regarding this, project director Shiva Mohan said, Action has been taken to maintain all the national highways coming within the Mangaluru division limits. The work on filling up the potholes will be completed soon. Service roads will be maintained in good condition. Accident prone zones have already been identified and essential precautionary measures will be taken,” he informed.