In a significant push for infrastructure development in the Kodagu region, Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister's legal adviser, AS Ponnanna, launched a series of crucial development projects across Ponnampet taluk on Saturday. The collective financial outlay for these initiatives stands at a substantial Rs 10.7 crore, aimed at improving connectivity and public amenities for the local residents.
Major Road Upgrades and Inaugurations
The MLA performed the bhoomi puja for the development of selected stretches on the vital Mysuru–Gonikoppal main road, with an estimated cost of Rs 3.8 crore. This package includes the road development from Thithimathi Bridge to Devarapura within the Thithimathi town limits. Addressing officials on the spot, Ponnanna instructed them to complete the works at the earliest while strictly maintaining high quality. He emphasized that the road bears heavy traffic and public convenience must be the top priority during the execution phase.
In another key event, Ponnanna formally inaugurated the completed 4.34-kilometer road from Devarapura to Seagethodu Bridge on the Mysuru–Ponnampet main road. This newly constructed stretch, built at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore, is expected to significantly ease travel in the area.
Focus on Connectivity and Power Supply
The development drive also included the launch of road widening and re-asphalting work on the Balaji-Jodubiti stretch (Mayamudi–Balaji–Jodubiti–Kunda) of the Gonikoppal-Ponnampet main road. A grant of Rs 1 crore has been allocated for this project, with its groundbreaking ceremony held at Jodubiti.
Further enhancing local infrastructure, the MLA inaugurated the newly constructed Hudikeri–Kalathode road, built with an investment of Rs 5 lakh. He later launched a newly laid 11 kV power line in Mukkatimani, Hudikeri. This essential utility project was developed with a special grant of Rs 42 lakh, promising better power supply to the locality.
Future Projects and Bridge Reconstruction
Looking ahead, Ponnanna made a major announcement for a future safety project. He declared a grant of Rs 2 crore for the reconstruction of the bridge at the Pokaletodu section near Hudikeri on the Madikeri-Kutta road. The MLA performed the bhoomi puja for this crucial bridge project at the site itself, marking the beginning of another vital infrastructure upgrade.
The event was attended by State Sports Authority vice-president Cheppudeera Arun Machiah and several other local dignitaries and officials, underscoring the collective importance placed on these development works for the region's progress.
