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Nalin Kumar Kateel, Member of Parliament, Dakshina Kannada, stated that the completion of 22 km of the 45 km-long Bikarnakatte-Sanur National Highway widening project has been achieved. It was reported that the Union government has authorised an amount exceeding Rs 2 billion to acquire land for widening a 2.5 km section in Padavu village. The acquisition of land in this specific stretch had been pending, obstructing the highway's expansion. To address this, the Union Finance Ministry has granted approval for over Rs 2 billion to procure the necessary land. Kateel mentioned the existence of legal disputes concerning the acquisition of land for widening an additional 20 km stretch. These disputes arose due to disagreements between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and landowners regarding the compensation rates. Kateel expressed the intention to resolve these issues promptly to expedite the progress of the widening project. The 45 km stretch, commencing from Bikarnakatte in the city (on the Mangaluru-Moodbidri route) and ending at Sanur, approximately 5 km prior to Karkala in Udupi district, is currently undergoing expansion. The estimated cost for widening the stretch amounts to Rs 11.37 billion, excluding the expenses associated with land acquisition. The project aims to widen the highway to 45 m, encompassing a carriageway of 18-20m, medians, pavements, and other necessary infrastructure. Additionally, the project includes the construction of a 5.5 km bypass at Gurupura and a 7 km bypass in Moodbidri. Kateel expressed his commitment to regularly review the progress of this project and other National Highway projects in Dakshina Kannada, with intervals of 15 days. He also mentioned conducting assessments of railway projects. The ongoing road and railway projects will be completed by 2024. Also read: TDR allowed for buildings on internal layout roadsGehlot commences Rs 33.78 bn road projects