Udupi: T. Bhoobalan, Sub-Division Magistrate, Kundapur Sub-Division, on Wednesday ordered the Navayuga Udupi Tollway Private Ltd. (NUTPL) to complete all the construction work on National Highway 66 on the Hejmady-Kundapur stretch within a set time schedule.

The order is under the power conferred under Section 138 (2) of Criminal Procedure Code,

In the order, copies of which were released to the press here, Mr. Bhoobalan said that the construction of the vehicle underpass at Karavali Junction in Udupi should be completed and open to traffic on or before November 1, 2018.

The construction of the flyover at Shastri Circle in Kundapur and the vehicle underpass at Basrur Murukai should be completed on or before April 1, 2019.

The inordinate delay in completion of the widening work by NUPTL had led to problems such as traffic congestion, threat to public safety, discomfort and inconvenience to public, health hazards and loss of time and money for the people. Hence the NUPTL had been directed to take all necessary measures to prevent accidents and traffic congestion based on recommendations of the local expert.

The Project Director, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Mangaluru, should ensure that the NUPTL completed the work as per the deadline given to it.

Local expert, George Verghese, Head, Department of Civil Engineering, NITK-Surathkal, shall make the claims of expenses, for the local investigation, to the court of the Sub Division Magistrate, Kundapur Sub Division, Udupi district, and the same shall be paid by NUPTL within a week of the receipt of the claim, Mr. Bhoobalan said.