New Delhi, Oct 26 : Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, T.R. Baalu has approved a sum of Rs.1254.61 lakh for road improvement works in Karnataka.

Baalu approved the proposal for widening of existing intermediate lane, single lane to two lane from km. 479 to 489 km on Sholapur Mangalore Section of National Highway-13.

Earlier, the road from Chitradurga to Shimoga was a Major District Road (MDR), and it used to cater the traffic volume, which was less compared to present traffic.

The existing crust is inadequate to take the present traffic intensity of commercial vehicles carrying heavy loads.

The surface is distressed at certain stretches and the overall riding quality of the reach is poor. Therefore, the approval has been granted for widening this 10-km stretch of National Highway. (ANI)