Karnataka’s Minister for Public Works, Satish Jarkiholi, has directed officials to accelerate road development projects in Kodagu district, prioritizing completion before the onset of the monsoon season. The focus is on ensuring smooth transportation for tourists and local residents alike.
Several key road projects are under scrutiny. Work on the Bettadapura-Nagarhole road, costing ₹28 crore, is to be finished by May 31st. The Minister emphasized the importance of completing this stretch, given its significance for tourism and connectivity to the Nagarhole National Park. Similarly, the Kushalnagar-Shanthalli road (₹25 crore) needs completion by the same deadline.
Concerns were raised regarding the slow pace of work on the Galibeedu-Sidhakatte road (₹18 crore). The Minister instructed officials to address the delays and expedite the project, potentially by increasing manpower and resources. He also reviewed the progress of the Sampige-Hattihole road (₹12 crore) and the Thithimathi-Kakkabe road (₹15 crore), demanding timely completion.
Jarkiholi highlighted the need for quality road construction, emphasizing that substandard work will not be tolerated. He instructed the use of appropriate materials and adherence to quality control measures. He also directed officials to address issues related to land acquisition, which are causing bottlenecks in some projects.
The Minister also addressed concerns about potholes and damaged road surfaces, instructing officials to undertake immediate repair work to ensure safe travel conditions. He stressed the importance of regular maintenance to prevent further deterioration of roads. He further directed officials to prepare a detailed report on all ongoing road projects in Kodagu, including timelines and potential challenges. The meeting included discussions on utilizing technology for better road monitoring and management. The overall aim is to improve the road infrastructure in Kodagu, boosting tourism and facilitating economic development.
