Mangalore: Almost three months after its was inaugurated, the newly built Pumpwell flyover developed cracks soon after the unseasonal rains that lashed over Mangaluru city couple of days ago.
The cracks that developed on the gutter of the flyover made way for widespread criticism as the locals alleged that sub-standard work has been executed by the authorities, in a bid to hastily complete the flyover works that was languishing over the last one decade.
However, clarifying in this regard, National Highway Athority of India (NHAI) has said that there was no structural damage to the flyover.
NHAI Project Director Shishu Mohan is quoted in The Hindu saying that the strengthening of the embankment, protection walls and flyover ramps was stopped due to the lockdown imposed across the country. The hairline cracks are the result of the same.
He added that NHAI had taken permission from the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner on Friday to carry out works on the flyover and Navayuga Udupi Tollway Pvt. Ltd.,which built the flyover, began works on Monday.
The flyover, which missed several completion deadlines was finally inaugurated by MP Nalin Kumar Kateelon January 31, 2019.
The work for the construction of the flyover was started in 2009. The incomplete structure had become a source of inspiration for many memers on social networking sites.