The progress of construction on the Belgaum-Ramnagar to Panaji national highway is moving at a sluggish pace, causing concern among the residents. Reports indicate instances of sewer collapses due to substandard quality, particularly in areas like Tinighat, Ramnagar, Jalkyati, Anmod, Castlerock, and Aketi villages. Complaints have been raised against the engineers from the National Highways Board Dharwad Division for alleged negligence in oversight.
In a specific incident near Anmod village, a recently constructed drain aimed at preventing rainwater from affecting the road and causing landslides collapsed within a month of its completion. This collapse poses risks to traffic safety, particularly for large vehicles navigating the area.
It’s evident that the sewer construction contractor may have compromised on quality, as observed by the absence of steel reinforcements in the construction. This situation highlights the need for better supervision and adherence to construction standards by the authorities.
The construction work along this route has faced delays for the past seven years, with the stretch from Khanapur to Ramnagar near Anmod Ghat still pending completion. This prolonged delay has significantly inconvenienced commuters, especially vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, mothers with children, and the elderly.
There is a pressing demand from the community to expedite the remaining construction work and ensure its completion by the end of May, alleviating the hardships faced by travelers in the region.
