Puttur: The central government is expected to begin work on the Shiradi Ghat mega tunnel road.

On February 28, Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Surface Transport and Highways, will arrive in the city. He'll be announcing several road projects. Shiradi Ghat tunnel road is one of the new projects he will announce.

The highway widening project from B C road to Addahole, worth Rs 1,500 crore, has already begun. The tunnel will start in Addahole and run through the ghat. Gadkari is expected to announce this project worth Rs 15,000 crore, according to MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor.

The 23.6-kilometer tunnel will be an alternative to the 37-kilometer Ghat road. A detailed survey had been conducted by a Japanese company, and a detailed project report had been prepared. The department of surface transportation has received all of the details, and the project has been given the green light in principle. The tender process will begin once the official approval is received.