Mangaluru: The Shiradi Ghat is likely to be closed for traffic from November to facilitate the second phase of Mangaluru – Bengaluru national highway development works on the ghat section. The NH division of PWD has plans to commence the work in November and complete it by April next year. However, the division is yet to finalise the dates to start the works since they are yet to receive nod for the fresh tenders.

“We have sent the financial bid to the central government for approval. After the approval, the work order will be issued. As of now, we want to commence the work in November and complete it by April taking into consideration climatic factors and the terrain. Taking up work on Shiradi Ghat is very tough during rainy season,” said Raghavan, superintending engineer of national highways.

He said that the highway will have to be closed once the work begins. “It is not possible to take up the development work without closing the road. We will discuss the issue and take a final decision soon,” he added. The national highway stretch on the Shiradi Ghat was closed from January 2 to August 9 in 2015 when the first phase of work was taken up.

A new 8.5 meter wide concrete road was constructed between Heggadde to Kempuhole on the Ghat in the first phase. The work was taken up at a cost of Rs 69.90 crore and the contract was awarded to Mangaluru-based Ocean Constructions India Private Limited.

The second phase of work which includes strengthening from Gulagalale to Maranahalli and providing rigid pavement from Kempuhole to Addahole, is being taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 97.92 crore. The state government has submitted a proposal to the Union ministry of road transport and highways for re-tendering of the workds as the previous contractor failed to achieve the first milestone progress in completing the rigid pavement work within six months of the tender date.