The Centre has sanctioned ₹94.08 crore for safety and protection works on National Highway-275 (Bantwal–Bengaluru stretch), one of the busiest highways in Karnataka.
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Mysuru MP, said on January 13 that the grant has been approved for undertaking infrastructure and safety-related works along the Sampaje–Kushalnagar section of the highway, which is prone to frequent landslides during monsoon.
In a press release issued here, he said the works will be taken up between km 78 and km 125 to prevent landslips and ensure the safety of commuters travelling through the ghat section. The project will be implemented under the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) model.
The sanctioned works include the construction of 1,650 metres of Reinforced Cement Concrete cantilever retaining walls and a 110-metre-long pressure relief wall along vulnerable valley stretches. In addition, 1,910 metres of breast walls and 2,720 metres of chute drains will be built to prevent soil erosion and ensure proper drainage, he explained.
To improve road safety, widening will be carried out over a total length of 1,690 metres at 17 identified locations. Two old box culverts at km 77.750 and km 89.670 will be reconstructed, while crash barriers and modern traffic signboards will be installed as part of additional safety measures, the MP said.
The total project cost of ₹94.08 crore includes GST and maintenance charges. The construction period has been fixed at 18 months, including the monsoon season, and the contractor will be responsible for maintaining the stretch for 10 years after completion, according to Mr. Wadiyar.
The Ministry has laid down strict quality control norms, including mandatory documentation of road quality using ‘Network Survey Vehicles’ before and after construction. To minimise inconvenience to the public, work will not be allowed on stretches exceeding three kilometres at a time, he added.
“Once completed, the project is expected to ensure safer and smoother connectivity between Bengaluru and the coastal region, even during adverse weather conditions,” the MP said.
Curated by James Chen
