Kundapur: Faced with threat of protest, authorities begin repair work on Arate Bridge

Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (NM)

Kundapur, Feb 7: Repeated demands for the renovation of Arate Bridge road on National Highway 66 by the Raita Sangha have finally borne fruit, with Sharif Construction Company agreeing to repair the road.

The bridge has been poorly maintained, and the surface of the road has worn away causing inconvenience to the commuters.

Considering the existing situation, Udupi district Raita Sangha president Deepak Kumar Shetty had warned that if the authorities concerned failed to take up the work of repairing the road and strengthening the bridge by Wednesday February 6, the union would intensify its protest on Thursday.

Responding to the threat, Sharif Constructions and national highway department agreed to repair the existing road at a cost of Rs 15 lac, which they said is the amount remaining after the renovation of Kundapur-Byndoor stretch.

On Thursday, work began with the removal of old tar to lay it anew. Engineer Anwar assured that the work would start immediately and complete within a week.

“In addition, even after the repair of Kundapur–Byndoor (NH 66) stretch, the pits that were dug beside the highway remained unfilled, resulting in many accidents,” said Deepak Kumar and sought appropriate action in the matter.

Byndoor youth Congress president Subramanya Poojary, Fayaz, and Udaykumar Tallur were present.

Attempt to postpone work

The officials of the Sharif Construction company reportedly tried to postpone the road repair work claiming that the trailer transporting the Hitachi road roller had a puncture in its tyre. However, the members of the Raita Sangha were not convinced, and said they would make arrangements for the roller themselves. They then brought a Hitachi roller to the spot and made sure the work began as promised.