Mangalore-Shimoga stretch of NH13 unlikely to be widened

[email protected] (Raviprasad Kamila, The Hindu)

March 21, 2011

Mangalore: A proposal of the Centre to widen the National Highway No. 13 between Mangalore and Shimoga into two lanes is unlikely to become a reality soon. It is because of issues related to Kudremukh National Park (KNP) and other forest area along the stretch.

Official sources told The Hindu that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, had recently asked the private agency which prepared the draft feasibility report on widening the stretch to revise it by exploring an alternative route.

The agency had submitted the report to the ministry on July 16, 2010.

The Ministry had identified the stretch for widening into two lanes under Phase 4 of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP). The highway from Mangalore passes through Kaikamba, Moodbidri, Karkala, Kerekatte, Kudremukh National Park, Sringeri, Koppa, Tiirthahalli, Mandagadde and Gajanur to reach Shimoga.

The Government had planned for widening the stretch ranging from 3 metres to 5 metres to ensure a common width of 10 metres all along, including a 1.5-m paved shoulder on either side.

The website of the NHAI had listed the 188-km stretch on NH 13 between Mangalore and Shimoga under “tentative list of projects for future bidding”. After studying the feasibility report, sources said the NHAI had asked the agency to explore the possibility of realignment of the entire or part of the highway through an alternative route. It was mainly to avoid the 26-km stretch of the highway inside the KNP as it would be difficult to get the clearance for the project from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Sources said the NHAI had asked the agency for exploring an alternative route to avoid the “hilly and forest area, national park and bird sanctuary”.

They said the agency had been asked to explore the feasibility of linking the Port City and Malnad town through NH 206 and NH 63 or any other road in the vicinity “even if the length of the highway project might increase”.

They said the agency had been asked to study the feasibility of widening the Agumbe Ghat stretch to connect Mangalore with Shimoga via Udupi, Hebri and Thirthahalli.

Sources said a major issue connected with the project was forests. “It may be any route, it will have to pass through the Western Ghats.”

They said the agency in its draft feasibility report had recommended two options of widening the stretch each at a cost of Rs. 2,513 crore and Rs. 590 crore.

The stretch had not been considered for four-lane as the average annual daily traffic density was far lower than the stipulated 15,000 passenger car units, the benchmark for four-lane work.

According to the draft feasibility report, the average annual daily traffic on the stretch was 10,811 passenger car units (PCUs), sources said.

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Mangaluru set to sizzle with new food streets in three key areas

coastaldigest.com news network

September 7,2024

Mangaluru: The bustling coastal city of Mangaluru is about to get a vibrant makeover with the introduction of food streets in three prime locations, courtesy of the Dakshina Kannada district administration, Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), and Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL).

These food streets aim to infuse the city's social and cultural life with new energy, while providing residents and visitors a tantalizing array of culinary delights.

The first food street, soon to be unveiled, is set to light up the area near Mangala Stadium, where around 27 food stalls will offer a range of delicious treats. According to Mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur, the project will be spearheaded by the MSCL, which has already identified two more locations for additional food streets across the city.

“Stalls will be set up on land belonging to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, right next to Mangala Stadium,” shared the Mayor. Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP has instructed MSCL to execute the project via a tender process. Following the completion of civil works, eligible bidders will be allotted food stalls. Other food streets will come up near Mahaveer Circle (Pumpwell) and at Sharbathkatte near Karnataka Polytechnic, bringing the city’s favorite street foods closer to even more neighborhoods.

Pradeep D’Souza, Deputy Director of Youth Empowerment and Sports, confirmed that work has already begun near Mangala Stadium.

“The MSCL is making swift progress under the guidance of the Deputy Commissioner. The designated land lies between Karavali Utsav Maidan and Mangala Stadium, with permanent shops on one side and the food street to be developed on the other. The area will be equipped with essential amenities, including drinking water, electricity, and proper drainage. Cleanliness and organization will be prioritized, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere that can draw large crowds,” he said. The project is moving quickly, with completion expected in the near future.

Once completed, these food streets will not only enhance Mangaluru's charm but also provide a fresh destination for food lovers to gather, explore, and savour the diverse flavours of the city.

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