Dakshina Kannada MP seeks Gadkari’s intervention in handing over Port Connectivity Road to NHAI for upkeep

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta has sought the intervention of Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in bringing B.C. Road-Surathkal Port Connectivity Road under the jurisdiction of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for upkeep.

MP Chowta met Mr. Gadkari in his Parliament office in New Delhi on Sunday to discuss the issue of handing over portions of Mangaluru- Bengaluru National Highway 75 and Kochi-Panvel NH 66 forming the Port Connectivity Road to NHAI.

During the meeting, MP Chowta said he had relentlessly been following up on the issue with the officials of the Ministry. He then sought Mr. Gadkari’s intervention to ensure the stretch was handed over to the NHAI for regular maintenance and upgradation, the MP said.

Capt. Chowta said the highway stretch, crucial for Mangaluru and surrounding areas, was still with the New Mangalore Port Road Company Ltd., a special-purpose vehicle formed while executing the project. The SPV has failed to upkeep the stretch for many years, thereby affecting cross sections of sections of society, from transporters to students to regular commuters.

The NHAI should be entrusted with the responsibility of the upkeep of the highway stretch, he urged the Minister. The MP, later in his statement, said the Minister was positive to his demand and assured necessary action.

Outer Ring Road

Capt. Chowta also urged Mr. Gadkari to sanction an outer ring road for Mangaluru connecting Panvel-Kochi NH 66 and Mangaluru-Bengaluru NH 75 to decongest the city from the passing through traffic.

Because of rapid urbanisation and the passing through traffic, the city has frequently been witnessing traffic gridlocks and consequent road accidents. An ORR could eliminate these difficulties, the MP said.