Mangaluru: Karnataka plans to construct 2-3 bridges, including one at Poonadka in Vitla, to improve connectivity with Kerala, according to public works department minister Satish Jarkiholi.After inspecting the proposed Poonadka site via Kamajalu in Manila village of Vitla in the district on Sunday, the minister said the department would give more emphasis for the construction of interstate bridges, including foot-bridges. Demands for bridges in Sullia and other places in Dakshina Kannada have been made for long, he added.Poonadka bridge is at least a 50-year-old demand. A final decision will be made taken after evaluating technical and logistical aspects. Karnataka will bear the cost, he added.“Most proposals submitted by Puttur MLA have been approved. Many bridges are being built, and repair work is under way. Several works under State Highway Development Programme are under progress. Tenders will be invited in April to prevent damage to infrastructure during monsoon, he said.The PWD has sanctioned Rs 80 crore for bridge construction in constituencies represented by BJP MLAs in the district and accused them of making baseless allegations of fund shortage. “How will they get votes if they do not make such allegations? Those BJP MLAs, while making allegations of funds shortage, also have been conducting foundation ceremonies for development projects in their constituencies,” he said.Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai conceded that the minister had been “practical” and implemented projects promised earlier. He said the constituency had received Rs 250 crore through the department.
