Adv S Khazi questions NHAI on poor condition of NH 66

October 18, 2013

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore

Mangalore, Oct 17: “The National highway from Pumpwell circle till Talapady (Kerala border) is poorly maintained and we find many potholes creating trouble for people. Looking at the overall condition as no repair works are undertaken in this road, it looks like there is a mutual understanding between the NHAI with the Navayug Udupi toll way private limited who are in-charge of it said advocate S S Khazi.

Speaking to the media on Thursday October 17, he said the NHAI had given the tender to Navayug company in 2010 with two main responsibilities, that is to undertake four lane work and maintain the old roads for which Navayug company will be allowed to collect toll money from vehicles for 25 years. As per the contract, until the four lane work is done, Navayug company has to main the old roads as well.

“Even after obtaining the contract 3 years back, not even 10 % of the road widening work is done nor are the roads maintained properly. The above instance shows that the crores of money sanctioned are looted by the company and NHAI, after having a secret understanding between themselves,” he said.

“I had also raised a few questions before the highway authority about the bad roads through RTI for which the authority were not specific in giving answers and tried to deviate the points raised. Even after highway authorities knows that the company has not undertaken any work, they do not take any actions,” he said.

“Officials promise people stating that very soon they will have beautiful pothole – free roads. But in reality the money sanctioned for the work is gulped by them. As a compensation for my travelling loss in these roads, I have sent a legal notice to the authority demanding compensation of Rs 5 lac which should be met in 60 days. If it is not fulfilled then I will step court,” he said.

“My fight is not for my personal benefit, instead my duty is to give good roads to the city,” said advocate and assured his support to people whoever raises their voice in this regard.

Source-http://www.daijiworld.com