MYSURU: The protracted delays in the work on grade separator at Hinkal have made bottlenecks a daily affair at the junction.The works taken up in April 2016 were slated to be completed within 18 months. However, even after 28 months, the work is going on at snail's pace causing much agony to the commuters.The work which was initiated at a cost of Rs 14.81 crore was supposed to be completed by December 2017. Due to the lackadaisical approach of the authorities and the company which procured the tender failing to keep up with the deadline, the cost has escalated by over Rs 5 crores and is now pegged at Rs.19.80 crore.In a bid to boost connectivity to Kodagu, Kerala, Mangaluru and Hassan, the grade separator was expected to ease traffic movement whilst boosting tourism in the area.It's an ordeal for the public, who are fuming at the delay, as traffic snarls have become a daily affair. The dust emanating from the construction work has only added to the woes of the public.As there are no streetlights on the stretch, visibility has become an issue as commuters face an imminent risk of meeting with accidents due to low visibility in the area.Muda officials who have been promising to throw open the grade separator since last Dasara, are still clueless about the works even though the next edition of Dasara is just a month away.Ruing the delay in the works, Venkatesh Kharidi from the Mysore Grahakara Parishat told TOI, "The delays in executing the works are unacceptable. The work on the grade separator is a long-pending one and the general public is suffering due to the delays as traffic jams are witnessed at the junction."Lambasting the authorities for the escalation in the cost, he said, "As a result of the delays, the cost has shot up by Rs 5 crore which is not a small amount. It amounts to nearly 25% of the total cost of the project.""For all practical purposes, the works should be completed by October and we intend to allow vehicular movement on the grade separator before Dasara commences. The incessant rainfall has hampered our progress, we will ensure the works will be finished in time," said superintendent engineer of Muda, Suresh Babu.Stating that the high-mast lights have ensured the area is well illuminated, he said, "We have installed a high- mast light that keeps the area well illuminated for the safe passage of commuters."

Stay updated with all the Latest Mysore headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.