Latest news with #NationalHighwaysDepartment
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
New four-lane bridge across Bhavani planned at Mettupalayam
With the Mettupalayam bridge being the only direct link connecting Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts, any disruption to it would severely impact inter-district transportation and tourism. As a result, citizens and travellers have long been urging the authorities to construct an alternative bridge. In response to these concerns, senior officials from the National Highways Department confirmed to TNIE that a detailed project report and cost estimate for a new bridge — 115 metres long and 7.5 metres wide — have been prepared. A DPR and a proposal for constructing the new bridge at a cost of `12 crore has been sent to the Government of India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for approval and funding by the officials here in Coimbatore a few days ago. Speaking to TNIE, a senior highway department official said, "The plan includes dismantling the defunct British-era iron bridge and building a new four-lane bridge on the same alignment, parallel to the existing bridge. Encroachments around the site are also set to be cleared to make way for the new bridge. Once we receive the necessary clearances and financial allocation from the central government, construction will begin immediately," said a senior official. Officials also added that the existing concrete bridge will be renovated and a separate proposal will be prepared for its repair. The new bridge is expected to significantly improve road safety, accommodate growing traffic, and ensure a reliable connection between Coimbatore and Nilgiris for decades to come, benefiting locals and tourists alike.
Hans India
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Charmadi Ghat retaining wall works move at snail's pace
Chikkamagaluru: Despite years having passed since its initiation, the construction of retaining walls along the treacherous Charmadi Ghat stretch in Chikkamagaluru district remains sluggish. This ghat section, one of the steepest and narrowest in the region, spans around 25 kilometers on the Mangaluru–Villupuram National Highway. Of this, 13 kilometers fall within Chikkamagaluru limits and the remaining 12 kilometers within Dakshina Kannada. The road in the Chikkamagaluru section is extremely narrow, requiring careful driving. In certain spots, simultaneous movement of a bus and jeep is nearly impossible due to space constraints. Work on constructing retaining walls at several dangerous spots along the ghat started over three seasons ago at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore. While most of the work was completed after 12 months, an additional Rs 3 crore was sanctioned to build 3-foot-high retaining walls along a 2.5 km stretch. Around half of this work has been completed, while the rest is still underway. Authorities warn that if the walls are not completed before the monsoon, vehicular movement could be severely affected. In preparation for the monsoon, sandbags are being placed at vulnerable landslide zones, and patchwork asphalt resurfacing is ongoing in various stretches. However, progress remains slow. Meanwhile, Charmadi continues to receive consistent summer showers, increasing the urgency of the situation. The onset of the rainy season poses several challenges. Trees along the highway are at risk of collapsing and need to be cleared immediately. Wild animals frequently cross the road, creating safety concerns for both wildlife and travelers. Mobile network connectivity is poor in the ghat area, which can hinder emergency response in case of accidents or disasters. Overflowing waterfalls often gush across the road, disrupting traffic, and dense fog necessitates restrictions on vehicle stoppage in key areas. According to Chintamani Kamble, Assistant Executive Engineer, National Highways Department, Chikkamagaluru division, works such as retaining wall construction, drainage repairs, and asphalting are being carried out rapidly and are expected to be completed before the onset of monsoon. Meanwhile, in Hassan district, the much-delayed highway work between Bengaluru and Mangaluru—particularly at Doddathappale near Sakleshpur—has once again sparked fears of landslides with the monsoon fast approaching. Though the government had set a deadline to finish the work before the rainy season, barely 40% of the project has been completed. A major landslide occurred here last year, and despite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visiting the site and instructing the contractor to expedite work, the situation remains largely unchanged. With July nearing, there is still no sign of completion. The project, which spans 328 kilometres between Hassan and Mangaluru, was awarded in phases between 2009 and 2010. Even after 15 years, the Shiradi Ghat stretch continues to haunt travellers due to unscientific construction practices and chronic delays. There are also widespread complaints that the retaining walls built to prevent landslides are unscientific. Experts argue that such walls should be constructed at a 90-degree angle on slopes, whereas the current design resembles household compound walls, raising serious safety concerns. Engineers suggest using the Japanese model—mesh reinforcement anchored with bolts—as a safer, more stable alternative. But on-site observations continue to raise doubts among locals and experts alike. Hassan Deputy Commissioner Satyabhama has stated that a deadline has been set to complete the Shiradi Ghat work by the end of June. Review meetings have been held, and precautionary measures are being taken considering the monsoon conditions, she added.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Thoothukudi collector reviews development projects under 'Unagalai Thedi Ungal Ooril' programme
Thoothukudi District Collector K. Elambahavath reviewed the progress of development works being implemented in Ottapidaram taluk on Wednesday as part of 'Ungalai Thedi Ungal Ooril' programme. The collector inspected the newly-laid roads in Keezhakottai village under the Rural Development Department and Primary Health Sub Centre at Murudhan vazhvu village in the Ottapidaram taluk. At the Primary Health Sub Centre, Mr. Elambahavath inquired about the availability of medicines and quality of treatment provided to the villagers by the medical staff. The collector also distributed various welfare schemes to the eligible beneficiaries from the village, including those under the 'Kalaignar Kanavu Illam Scheme'. He further inspected the ongoing development works in the village under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, National Highways Department, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board. The collector also visited the other villages including Keezhamangalam, Sillankulam and Pasuvanthanai, to inspect development activities in those regions. Later, Mr. Elambahavath received petitions from the public at the Ottapidaram panchayat union office. At the meeting held at the same venue, Mr. Elambahavath directed officials from all the departments to ensure the timely and efficient implementation of welfare schemes in villages.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Bridge connecting Mettupalayam & Nilgiris in bad shape: Residents
Coimbatore: The residents of Mettupalayam on Friday raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of a bridge across the that serves as a vital link to the . They said the officials responsible for the bridge's maintenance were reluctant to take necessary steps to strengthen in 1984, the concrete bridge is the main access point to the Nilgiris from Mettupalayam. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "This bridge is the crucial link for the people travelling to the Nilgiris for tourism and other purposes. Thousands of vehicles use this bridge daily. Now, this 41-year-old bridge is showing signs of wear and tear. When heavy vehicles pass, the bridge vibrates and sways like a suspension bridge, causing fear among the public and drivers," said S Basha, a social activist from Mettupalayam. He said the bridge should be assessed by technical experts."There is a British-era steel bridge nearby. Despite being left abandoned for a long time, it is stronger than the concrete bridge. While repairs are being considered, authorities should either restore the old steel bridge for pedestrian use or preserve it as a historical monument," Basha said.B Dhanabalan, divisional engineer, National Highways Department, said they were planning to construct an additional bridge at an estimated cost of Rs12 crore. "We are awaiting funds from the road transport and highways ministry. Once funds are allotted, we will dismantle the British-era steel bridge and construct the new one. We also have plans to assess the structural strength of the existing bridge through a consultant and carry out necessary strengthening works."
