Union minister of road transport and highwaysNitin Gadkariannounced that the much-awaited Shiradi Ghat tunnel road project, on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway, will be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 14,000 crore.
Shiradi Ghat is a lifeline ofKarnatakaand I have given it my highest priority. The existing 26kms ghat stretch will be made four-lane as per plans and we have already prepared a detailed project report (DPR) to develop the proposed six-lane tunnel road. I assure that clearances from the forest department will be obtained with the support of chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, he said, adding that roads in India will be on par with America by the end of 2024.
Accordingly, instead of 50% to develop ring roads, the will have to spend just 25% of the cost. However, we have to give exemption in the state GST on the cost and waive the royalty of the project. Ring roads will be developed in many cities in Karnataka including one in Mangaluru.