BELAGAVI
In a significant relief to commuters from Karnataka and Goa, repairs and reconstruction work on the Belagavi-Goa NH748AA highway via Chorla resumed on Thursday after a long hiatus of over three weeks.
The work was inaugurated by Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi on February 24, after which the contractor carried out the work for only one week, before men and machinery disappeared from the worksite.
After receiving reports that the work was being carried out diligently since February, traffic on the route increased from the second week of March, especially after the conclusion of school examinations in Karnataka and Goa.
However, after repairing only a few damaged patches, the work abruptly stopped, leaving commuters in a lurch.
“Upon hearing the news about the repair work being undertaken earlier this week, I was travelling with my elderly mother to Belagavi. However, I regretted taking this route. I was disappointed as the entire Karnataka side of the road was heavily damaged and no repairs had been carried out. My elderly mother went through turmoil while travelling on this route. On the return journey, I took the Tillari route,” said a disappointed Rohini Gonsalves of Sevarat Geriatric Care.
Like Rohini, many commuters were infuriated as the NHAI and Karnataka PWD had raised high hopes by commencing the repair and reconstruction work with much fanfare.
When contacted, a senior PWD official said the workers had gone on a Holi holiday.
However, since Thursday, the work has resumed, with machinery and workers undertaking repairs of the huge potholes near Jamboti.
Sanctioned by NHAI, the Karnataka PWD has commenced the repairs and reconstruction of 43.35 kilometres since February 24, for which NHAI has sanctioned Rs 59 crore.
“The work has begun with the filling of all potholes. One strengthening layer and one layer of wearing course (both bituminous) are proposed. PWD has assured of keeping a close watch on quality,” said NHAI Project Director Bhuvanesh Kumar.
