Mangaluru: Unhappy over the delay in the National Highway widening work in Mangaluru, Urban Development and Housing Minister U.T. Khader on Saturday asked the district administration to initiate criminal proceedings against the erring company and contractors.
The four-laning of the highway has been taken up by Navayuga Udupi Tollway and the work is going on at a slow pace at Mahaveera Circle, Thokkotu and Uchila. People are angry as the work is creating traffic jams, flash floods and even accidents leading to deaths.
Mr Khader, who held a meeting with the National Highways Authority of India officials and Navayuga authorities, slammed the contractors for the slow pace and also not responding to the complaints. He was angry that the contractors had not executed temporary works for smoother flow of vehicles.
“When Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari visited Mangaluru, you had said that the works would be completed by December last, but you have failed," he told the contractors.
Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil told Mr Khader that despite several meetings, the authorities and contractors have failed to speed up the works.
Later, Mr Khader told the media that he asked the deputy commissioner to initiate proceedings against the company and contractors under CrPC.
“At a meeting held in Bengaluru, they had assured the government that the flyover work at flThokottu would be completed by December and at Pumpwell by March. But they have failed. They have not taken necessary measures for the monsoon. They are not serious despite warning," he said.
“Every week, the company officials and contractors have to appear before the Deputy Commissioner and brief him about the progress of work," he said.
Officials said that criminal proceedings under Section 133 of CrPC (Public Nuisance) would be initiated. “If there is any accident, the responsible person will be named in the case,” he warned.
