Mangalore, November 11: Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) demanded that the stretch on Shiradi Ghat between Sakaleshpur and Mangalore has to be strengthened on the lines of Golden Quadrilateral Triangle.
FKCCI president J R Bangera said that considering economic importance of the region and safety of passengers and vehicles, the road has to be strengthened on a war footing basis.
Mangalore is the only major port in the state and majority of the export/import is dependent on this port. However, due to bad roads, accessibility to port has become very difficult. Shiradi Ghat witnesses heavy truck movement which has caused severe damage to the highway.
"Bad condition of the roads result in heavy maintenance expenditure for vehicles, be it cars, trucks or buses. Large number of tourists, who use the road, have a nightmarish drive due to the pathetic condition of the stretch," he explained.
"It's high time the state and central governments took note of the road's bad condition at Shiradi and take initiative to develop it and boost the economic growth in the region," he said, adding that it's essential for the development of hinterland too.
Bangera demanded that the highway between Mysore and Mangalore should also be developed soon.
"The state highway connecting Mysore and Mangalore plays an important role in the economic development of both regions. This road is used for goods' movement to the Mangalore port and tourists too commute on this route. The 40-km-long stretch between Mani and Sampaje on this route is not motorable due to potholes. This causes severe loss of revenue to Dakshina Kannada district, especially in the areas of tourism, trade and industry," he said, and demanded that the government should fix a time frame to complete the work.
Bangera pointed out that the government should take the issue very seriously as Global Investors Meet is scheduled to be held in June, 2012.
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