Bantwal: Springing a surprise in his home constituency Bantwal, district in-charge and forest Minister Ramanath Rai took a bus ride leaving his Toyota Innova car aside to view the developmental activities in his taluk on Monday, July 25.

Rai boarded the bus and went to different location where developmental works are in progress accompanied by a group of officials. He visited as many as 10 places.

Stop 1: The Minister kick started the inspection by having a look at the Traveler’s bungalow which is under construction at a cost of Rs 3.31 crore. Meanwhile, he said that the forest department is going to undertake works on a beautiful tree park nearby.

Stop 2: Rai then stopped by the 100-bedded government hospital under construction at a cost of Rs 9.91 crores. He inspected the progress of the dialysis block, mortuary and the kitchen. District Surgeon Dr. Ramakrishna provided relevant details to the minister on the occasion.

Stop 3: The construction work of a memorial hall in the name of late litterateur Panje Mangesh Rao which is in progress was inspected by Rai, where he suggested a few changes to Assistant Commissioner Ashok who accompanied him on the occasion.

Stop 4: The Minister then had a look at the phase two work of a drinking water project at Jakribettu at a cost of Rs 50.31 crores. Here, executive engineer Mahadeva and Shobhalatha from the state water works department provided the necessary information to the minister on the progress made till date.

Stop 5: Rai spent a few minutes at the park near BC Road circle which is drawing wide publicity and appreciation mainly because it was a garbage dumping area some time ago. Few photographers were taken here with officials, elected representative and local leaders.

Stop 6: The site for the construction of a private bus-stand near BC Road circle was inspected by Rai. He instructed the Assistant Commissioner to take the necessary steps regarding the plan.

Stop 7: The minister then inspected the site for the new traffic police station where new DySP Ravish and Assistant Commissioner assisted him.

Stop 8: Rai had a look at the work in progress at the proposed Mescom divisional office at Kaijunje. The cost of the project is Rs 4.39 crores.

Stop 9: The minister then inspected the Mini Vidhana Saudha under construction near BC Road which was he was very much impressed with. He also checked the blue print of the plan. He then inspected the site near taluk panchayat office for the construction of Dr BR Amedkar Bhavan.

Last Stop: Rai inspected the works in progress at the proposed KSRTC bus-stand which is coming up at a cost of Rs 7.39 crores.

Rai speaking on the occasion said that all works will be completed in the next 3-4 months time, after which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate and dedicate the projects.

He was accompanied by many zilla panchyat and taluk panchayat members, area tahsildar Purandar Hegde, Circle inspector of police Manjaiah, officials belonging to various government departments and others.

Lighter moments were shared in the company of the heavy weight Congress politician. The minister brought a few smiles on the faces of officials and others around him. He chose the right day for his bus ride as roads were relatively free from heavy traffic as KSRTC buses were off roads due to strike.