Subrahmanya: Work on the development of roads in the state has been taken up at a cost of Rs 8,000 crore, said PWD Minister C C Patil.

Speaking to reporters after visiting Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, he said, “Good quality roads have already been built in the state and several other road works are in progress. The pace of work will be accelerated soon after the rainy season. Both, major roads and other roads will be developed in the state in a phased manner.”

The review of the progress of road works which have already been initiated is done by conducting a meeting with officials, once every 15 days. The department has been working towards the overall development of the roads in the state, he added.

Stating that he has come to study the condition of roads in the coastal region during the rainy season, the minister noted that the work on Shiradi Ghat on the National Highway connecting Bengaluru and Mangaluru has been delayed.

He said he has visited the site and has ordered to accelerate the work. The work will be accelerated after the rainy season.

“I will come again and review the progress after the monsoon,” he said.

Due to the financial difficulties of contractors and non-favourable weather, the work was hit by delay. Currently, the road will be repaired temporarily. It has been decided to develop the Shiradi Ghat road permanently so that the problems do not repeat during the rainy seasons in future. A new project will also be formulated, he added.

Development of Kukke

Patil further said that works under the Master plan towards the development of Kukke Subrahmanya Temple are being carried out by the Public Works Department.

The work on the third phase will be started soon after the approval by the finance department, he said.

Laying emphasis on the Master plan works, he said that a sub-divisional office of the PWD has been opened in Kukke. The department is committed to providing all facilities to the devotees.

‘Rs 80 cr loss due to rain’

The PWD has incurred around Rs 80 crore losses due to rains this year so far. A request has been made to the chief minister to release more funds to the department. Grants will soon be released towards the repair of damaged roads, he said.

Roads in Shiradi Ghat, Agumbe Ghat and Sampaje Ghat are getting damaged due to landslides. While developing the road in future, it will be ensured that the roads are developed in a nature-friendly way. If any tragedy takes place due to a man-made mistake, disciplinary action will be initiated against those responsible, he said.

The minister said that grants will soon be released for the development of the Ainekidu-Subrahmanya road, which provides connectivity to five villages.

Minister S Angara has already placed a demand. Also, a memorandum has been received from the public regarding the same. The grants will be released for the work on priority, he said.

Patil paid a visit to Kukke Subrahmanya Temple on Monday.

After having a glimpse of the presiding deity, he was honoured by temple chief priest Seetharama Yadapadithaya.