MANGALORE: Reports of late indicate that the concretization of the prominent Shiradi Ghat stretch of road that provides the vital link between Mangalore and Bangalore may be delayed by another one year.

Speaking to reporters after attending a progress review meeting convened by BS Ramprasad, the newly appointed District in-charge Secretary, EI Krishnegowda, Chief Engineer of PWD said “The Rs 118 crore sanctioned by the union government for the concretization of the Shiradi Ghat stretch of road would be utilized only after the repair and other works underway on the road at present is completed.”

To a question on the financial irregularities in the repair works on this stretch of the highway since the past two years, he said “The High Court has already ordered for a CBI probe into the matter. The Expenditure and Finance Commitee of the Surface Transport and Highway Ministry would think in terms of initiating action against the contractors concerned, after the completion of the probe.”

Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner V Ponnuraj said “The district administration has already given its green signal to the project and has passed on the information to the ministry concerned. By all means, the project is expected to commence next year.”

The PWD official also informed that the road works on the Tokkottu-Talapady stretch on NH 17 would commence from May 15. The project would be completed at a cost of Rs 2.40 lakhs, he said.

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