Bengaluru (DHNS): With the clearing of roadside trees nearly coming to a close, the stage is set for the commencement of civil work on widening a portion of National Highway 75 connecting Hassan and Bantwal Cross (BC)?Road.

However, the stretch passing through Shiradi Ghat is not included in the project as the government is planning to construct a tunnel in this section.

A detailed project report is being prepared for the proposed tunnel project. The widening of the highway between Nelamangala and Hassan has been completed.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had invited tenders to remove 3,070 trees to make way for the four-lane highway between Hassan and Maranahalli, near Sakaleshpur. According to official sources, no less than 6,000 trees have been axed in the forest and on revenue and private lands. However, NHAI as well as the Forest department are guarded while sharing information regarding the number of trees that were felled.

The road work between Hassan and Maranahalli is being taken up by Isolux Corsan Company, while the stretch between Addahole and BC?Road is awarded to L&T. It will take no less than two years to complete the work. The widening would add seven to eight metres to the existing road. The projected cost for upgrading the highway between Hassan and Maranahalli is said to be Rs 400 crore.