Mangalore : The National Highways Authority of India has approved the proposal to construct an overpass at the traffic teeming Nanthoor junction, submitted by NHAI Mangalore division. The proposal is now awaiting the nod of Union ministry for Road Transport and Highways and the tender process would start soon once the ministry gives the green signal, said NHAI Mangalore, Project Director Shriram Mishra.

Speaking at a public grievance meeting on road works convened by MP Nalin Kumar Kateel at Circuit House on Thursday here, the Project Director said the project is estimated at Rs 58 crore. The earlier proposals for the construction of a flyover and underpass have been dropped and the NHAI has come up with the proposal to construct the overpass. The overpass will stretch from Kochin Bakery and two lane service roads will be constructed on both sides, from KPT to Nanthoor, he said.

Faced with wide criticism on the deplorable condition of service roads, MP directed the NHAI for widening and maintenance of service roads. Devdas Shetty from Bantwal Town Municipal complained about the narrow service road in B C Road which is causing traffic blockade.

Though the NHAI was supposed to construct seven metres and 12 metres service roads on both sides of the fly over, they have not met their promise. A citizen from Kottara criticised the NHAI for not repairing the service road at Kottara Chowki which is filled with potholes.

In reply, Shriram Mishra said that for widening the service road at B C Road, land has to be acquired which was opposed by the building owners.

“Widening is not an issue if the building owners agree to demolish the buildings. The problem in B C Road will be solved witin three months after the completion of railway over bridge,” he said.

He also said that a proposal of Rs 23 crore has been sent to the NHAI New Delhi, exclusively to improve service roads on B C Road-Surathkal stretch. The project includes the construction of 33 bus shelters and concreting the service roads. The proposal has received approval in principle and final nod is awaited for the work to begin, Mishra said.

To solve the existing traffic problem in B C Road, Nalin Kumar Kateel directed the officials to make temporary bus stop for service buses arriving from Puttur, in the old petrol bunk.

He also directed to clear service roads, install a temporary circle at the junction where three roads meet in B C Road and asphalt below the fly over.

The MP said that he along with NHAI Project Director will meet Union Transport Minister Nithin Gadkari in the first week of July and place the demands of the people of the constituency. “We will give him the list of new proposals and pending proposals,” Nalin said.