Sirsi: MP Ananth Kumar Hegde chaired a meeting with the officials concerned regarding the widening of four-lane national highway 66 here on Sunday.

Hegde said the NH stretch between Majali in Karwar taluk to Bellikeri port in Bhatkal taluk are witnessing high number of accidents. He advised the officials to scientifically resolve the issue.

The former Union minister also asked the officials to lay service roads at Haravada, and from Sea-Bird Colony to Ankola. He asked them to lay proper drainage facilities next to these roads so that rainwater can gush through them without causing any problem to either motorists or the residents.

He also asked the officials to increase the NH width from 30 mtrs to 45 mtrs at Avarsa, Karki, Haladipur, Honnavar, Shirali and other places. “Completed the highway work at the earliest,” he said and added that there is a need for creation of junction at the entrance of Ankola from Karwar side.

Signals should be installed at Devagi to prevent accidents on Kumta-Sirsi road. He said the officials should acquire additional land and find a permanent solution for the road-related issues on the highway.

The opinion of experts should be taken regarding technical issues. Underpasses should be constructed at required places, he said and asked the officials to take into consideration the peoples inconvenience and find a solution for them.

National Highway Authority Planning Director Shishu Mohan, Kiran Bisur, Naveen, IRB Company chief manager Mohandas, S N Kulkarni and others were present on the occasion.