Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jun 15: The union ministry of surface transport has given its approval for undertaking improvement works worth Rs 36.51 crore in the Shiradi Ghat stretch lining the national highway that is facing the danger of facing further landslides.
These parts had suffered landslides at several places due to heavy rainfall two years ago and undertaking repair works there had posed a huge challenge. The work is likely to be taken up only after the monsoon season concludes this year.
When the tender was floated for the first time, no eligible bidders were available. During the second tender, the last date for which expired on May 22, two tenders have been received. This being a technical bid, evaluation is yet to be undertaken. If the bidders are eligible, the financial bids would be opened. If the applicants are found to be ineligible, a tender will have to be called again. The work, which is already delayed, is facing a lot of challenges.
Soil nailing
The process of soil nailing is currently being followed in hilly terrain. The same method would be used here too. Steel rods would be nailed into the walls of the ghat. They are then fitted with steel channels to make sure that the slope does not suffer further landslides. This technology is known as soil nailing.
Major landslides in Shiradi Ghat area have happened at two spots between Addahole and Heggaddea and 15 spots between Kempuhole valley. These slides need permanent repairs and the work will need 18 months to complete.
Public Works Department does not have any contractors who have registered themselves for undertaking soil nailing works. Those who have registered are not backed by an experience of having done this work in the past, Because of technical reasons, very few persons participate in the tender process. The union government has said that if eligible contractors are not found even for the second tender, it will permit a joint venture. Under this, registered contractors can form a joint venture with soil nailing workers and execute work.
Muniraju, assistant executive engineer, PWD, Sakleshpur, says that Shiradi Ghat did not face any new problem during the previous year. He says that the officials hope that the ghat will not pose any problems this year too. He said that once the rainy season is over, the work would be done by issuing work orders.