Udupi, 21 Mar 2013: A mono rail will run between Kinnimulky that lies on north of Udupi town to Manipal, a distance of 6 kilometers within 5 years from now….!
It is the punch line in the election manifesto of Congress that has bagged majority after 30 years in the recent civic polls offered assurances ahead of assuming the charge.
A mono rail runs on train-track laid on single pillars above the ground. Whether, it’s possible for a civic body in order to execute such an expensive project? Whether, it’s essential for Udupi town?
How to set arrange huge amounts? Whether it’s a political gimmick? One has to wait for 5 years to get the answers.
The manifesto has one more key issue that is to extend the proposed LNG pipeline: Chitradurga – Mangalore to Udupi by laying additional 350 kilometers, in order to supply cooking gas to every household in town. Besides to supply LNG to filling stations and at reduced rates to fisheries boats.
The manifesto has general issues, such as around-the-clock water supply, proper roads, better drainage, revision of taxes, garbage disposal, helpline, cleanliness and hygiene etc.
It has the significant issue of forming ward Committees in different localities with members of veterans, experienced and enterprising locals, to oversee the developments in their respective wards and to find solution to different issues. Such Committees that exit in Kerala managed to curb corruption to a greater extent. Whether the Committees in Udupi town will ever manage to curb the rampant corruption in civic body? One has to wait and see.
According to the manifesto, the contractor of different development works will be paid only after 10 members of Committee signs the relevant papers. If it becomes practical, it will ruin the chances of corporators pocketing their share of percentage of total worth of contract.
Overall, Congress has raised the hope of common folks. Meanwhile, one has to wait and see, what would be left out of them in the form of services.
Congress has issued better manifesto during civic polls of Udupi town council. The union government will assist in implementing agenda as specified in manifesto i -Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes
Congress seems to be engaged in false assurances, first of all let them try to complete the ongoing highway four-lane conversion works that is being undertaken by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). -Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat.