Mangaluru: Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai Sunday laid the foundation stone for an automated driving testing track at Mundoor in Puttur. The project is estimated to cost Rs 7.8 crore.Rai said the project had been delayed despite funds being sanctioned nearly eight months ago due to issues related to social forestry land. The matter has now been resolved at the govt level, and he expressed confidence that the facility would be completed within a year.The automated electronic driving test track is aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and accuracy in issuing driving licences. Rai said Dakshina Kannada currently has only one such facility at Mudipu, forcing applicants from Puttur, Sullia, Kadaba, Belthangady and nearby areas to travel long distances.Once operational, the Mundoor facility is expected to cater to around 300 to 350 applicants daily, reducing inconvenience for residents.“The track was originally planned at Alevoor village in Udupi district. However, the project had to be relocated due to land issues. After learning about this, I moved the project to Puttur and personally visited Mundoor to identify a suitable location. This will be the district’s second sensor-based RTO track,” Rai said.The MLA said the foundation stone for a sports ground on 15.50 acres nearby would be laid within the next 10 days. He added that five acres had been identified at Mundoor for a KSRTC electric bus charging station, expected to serve around 150 to 200 buses.Rai also announced plans to develop playgrounds in Kodimbady, Bannur and other villages. About five acres have been identified for playgrounds serving two to three villages, and six locations have been shortlisted for future sports infrastructure.Efforts will be made to secure central govt assistance through the sports department to build a large swimming pool for competitive swimmers and develop a dedicated sports zone in the constituency.Rai accused the opposition of indulging in negative politics and being unable to accept the pace of development.
