NH's condition frustrates units

The industries situated in and around Nanjangud "" a pilgrim town as well "" about 30 kms from Mysore are having a tough time, thanks to National Highway's (NH212) condition.

Expressing its displeasure over the poor condition of the NH212, which runs between Bangalore and famous hill station Ooty in Tamil Nadu, via. Mysore and Nanjangud, the Nanjangud Industries Association (NIA), has demanded restoration of the Mysore and Nanjangud stretch with immediate effect.

In a letter addressed to the NH authorities, NIA president M S Ramaprasad said, "It is a criminal waste to spend an hour to travel a stretch of 30 kms, which in other developed countries will be covered in 18 - 20 minutes. Most of the foreign collaborators with whom we have tie-ups or customer-vendor relationships are aghast at the facilities."

Drawing the NH engineers' attention towards the achievements of the industries in the area, he said, "It is one of the highest revenue contributors to the exchequer. Many major players have earned recognition in the international market for the quality of products and services. Some units are export-oriented units and quite a few have overseas customers making up their major customer base. These units have world-class facilities but unfortunately operate from an island of relatively high degree of backwardness. The infrastructure available is poor ixn comparison to what exists in bigger towns."

To this, the poor road condition had only piled on to their frustration. Small potholes had become bigger and greater in number. The unscientific speed-breakers with no warning signs were in violation of the road norms.

The impact of this will be more burning of scarce petroleum products to the tune of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh per month just for a stretch of 20km, the NIA said.