Mangaluru: The central govt has approved a total of Rs 64 crore for various highway development projects on National Highway 73, including the maintenance of the road from BC Road to Punjalakatte and upgrading the BC Road Junction to Ganadapadpu Highway to a four-lane road, said Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta.He said that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has approved a total grant of Rs 34.5 crore for the maintenance of approximately 20 km of highway from BC Road to Punjalakatte. Additionally, a grant of Rs 22.6 crore has been allocated for the development of the road from BC Road Junction towards Bantwal up to the Sri Narayanaguru Mandira into a four-lane road.In addition, a grant of Rs 6.9 crore has been approved for road maintenance work at BC Road Junction and Charmadi Ghat on NH 73. “Once the development work on these major highways in the district is completed, it will provide a boost to smooth traffic and economic progress in our region. This infrastructure development will be a significant milestone in the path of realising the vision of a Viksit Dakshina Kannada and a Viksit Bharat,” he said.With appropriate funding from central govt for the development of national highways in Dakshina Kannada and upgrading certain roads, the district will see improved convenience for vehicle and goods transportation, he said, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and minister of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari for approving the necessary funds for the work.The work to upgrade the Ujire-Dharmasthala-Periyashanthi highway into a two-lane road at an approximate cost of Rs 613 crore is also progressing rapidly. With the recent approval of funds for the maintenance of the highway from BC Road to Punjalakatte, work is expected to commence soon. The construction of the four-lane road near BC Road Junction will also begin, said the MP.
