Mangaluru : Taking exception to the abnormal delay in completing NH 66 (Yedapally-Panvel) near Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha Member Nalin Kumar Kateel on Wednesday directed NHAI not to go by flyover designs provided by Mangaluru City Corporation for Pumpwell Circle in the city.

“The delay in constructing the flyover has hampered the project. What is the MCC’s locus standi to interfere in a Union government project?,” the MP asked an NHAI official. He was presiding over the district-level vigilance and supervision committee meeting of Union government projects here.

Mr. Kateel said he would not allow toll collection unless NHAI completes the entire four-laning work between Talapady and Kundapura. The official said all works would be over by next May.

With regard to second phase of Shiradi Ghat reconstruction, Mr. Kateel asked NH division of state PWD to make suitable plans to allow one-lane traffic during Ghat closure. Also, he directed the PWD to speed up Bisile Ghat repair work, which is an alternative route to Shiradi.

Zilla panchayat president Asha Thimmappa Gowda, vice-president Satish Kumpala, and CEO P.I. Srividya were present.