BHATKAL: Work on the four-laning of the National Highway passing through Bhatkal has gathered pace in recent weeks, raising hopes that the project could be completed by the end of October, except for stretches where disputes remain unresolved.
The latest development is the opening of the highway stretch between Noor Masjid and Masjid-e-Toor to Mangaluru-bound traffic, following the completion of work on this section. Construction of the service road towards the town's downtown area is also progressing.
Despite the recent progress, traffic movement around Noor Masjid and Shamsuddin Circle continues to pose challenges for motorists. Vehicles travelling from the circle towards downtown have to cross the highway to reach the road on the opposite side, making movement difficult amid heavy traffic. Vehicles travelling from downtown towards the circle are also facing congestion.
Vehicles travelling on the national highway from Mangaluru towards Honnavar are also experiencing difficulties negotiating heavy traffic emerging from downtown.
Some sections of the service roads leading towards the circle from the Ghazali Complex side via Noor Masjid, and from Rangeen Katta, have been completed, while work on the remaining stretches is continuing.
The traffic arrangements for vehicles travelling from downtown towards Anjuman College, the government hospital and Santhe Market via the highway remain unclear. The plan to be adopted by IRB, the company executing the project, and the final configuration of the service roads are expected to become clearer as the remaining work progresses.
Satish Kumar, president of the National Highway Horata Samiti, said IRB had assured the committee that the highway work would be completed by the end of October. Given the current pace of construction, meeting the deadline appears possible, he said. However, work at locations where land-related or other disputes remain unresolved could face further delays.
The four-laning project in Bhatkal began in 2013 and was originally scheduled for completion in 2019. However, the work has been repeatedly delayed for various reasons, leaving the project incomplete more than seven years after its original deadline.
With the end of October set as the latest target, it remains to be seen whether the deadline will be met. The effectiveness of the completed highway and service roads in easing congestion and improving local connectivity will also be closely watched.