The land acquisition for the tunnel project proposed along the Shiradi Ghat that connects Mangaluru and Bengaluru (NH 75), is likely to begin soon.
The NHAI division of Hassan is awaiting government’s approval for issuing the notification. The tunnel has been proposed for a distance of 23.57 km on Shiradi Ghat – from Addahole in Dakshina Kannada district to Heggadde in Sakleshpura. The project includes seven bridges and six tunnels. The central government recently approved the detailed project report.
The tunnel is expected to boost exports through New Mangalore Port. The exporters from Bengaluru depend on Chennai port owing to poor roads in Shiradi Ghat.
A previous DPR submitted seven years ago by the Japan International Co-operation Agency(JICA) had proposed six tunnels through Addahole, Gundya, Edakumeri, Kadagaravalli, Maranahalli and 10 bridges at a total cost of Rs 10,015 crore. Initially, government had planned to implement the project with the help of JICA. Now the project at a revised cost of Rs.10,000 crore will be implemented under Bharathmala.
NHAI sources told DH that a major portion of the land where tunnel project passes through comes under government. Around 30% of land required for the project is under private ownership and they have to acquired. The land acquisition will be initiated once the government gives its nod, sources added. The six tunnels will be of 12.60-km long each and seven bridges will be of 1.5 km long.
Source: Deccan Herald
