Complete work on Sirsi-Kumta highway at earliest, NHAI told

District in charge secretary for Uttara Kannada district Sushma Godbole chaired a review meeting in Karwar on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

District in charge secretary for Uttara Kannada district Sushma Godbole has directed the officials of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to expedite and complete the work on Sirsi-Kumta highway and open it for traffic at the earliest.

Chairing a review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Karwar on Thursday, district in charge secretary expressed displeasure over the inordinate delay in the contractor completing the highway despite the district administration giving adequate time for the work.

She directed the NHAI authorities to provide requisite help through advanced machineries to facilitate early completion of the road work.

Pointing out that the temporary road laid near Bennehole bridge had been washed away due to heavy rains, she directed the officials to immediately initiate work to relay the road and open it for vehicular movement.

Ms. Sushma Godbole emphasised the need for stopping the heavy load vehicles from entering the district as their movement was likely to cause damage to the bridges. She asked the NHAI authorities to report the matter to the district administration and police department on a weekly basis.

Reviewing the Monsoon preparation in the district, she stressed the need for early release of compensation for rain damages and keep relief centres ready well in advance with all the paraphernalia.

Sushma Godbole asked the officials to take necessary precautionary steps towards preventing COVID-19 cases. Pointing to the increase in caesarean deliveries in the district, she asked the health department officials to organise more awareness programmes on natural deliveries.

Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshipriya, Superintendent of Police M. Narayan and others were present.

Published - May 29, 2025 08:36 pm IST