Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 26: In a decisive move to address the alarming issue of potholes on national highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sprung into action to rectify the deteriorating road conditions. Their prompt response comes in the wake of media reports highlighting the perilous state of the Surathkal to Nanthoor section of NH-66 in Karnataka, where potholes have become a major cause for concern among motorists and commuters.
As the monsoon season descends upon Mangaluru, heavy downpours have aggravated the situation, leading to the reemergence of potholes at critical junctions such as Nanthoor, Bikarnakatte, Pumpwell, Panambur, and Baikampady. These recurring potholes have already proven to be fatal, resulting in tragic accidents that claim lives and leave motorists injured. The dangers are exacerbated by the water-filled potholes, making it arduous for drivers to gauge their depth, particularly during the night time.
The tragic incident involving a young engineering student, Aathish, who lost his life while trying to avoid a pothole near Bikarnakatte, has sparked protests and calls for accountability from authorities. Likhith, a concerned citizen, expressed dismay over the lack of responsible leadership and accountability in addressing the road conditions. He emphasized the need for quality road work and urged concerned leaders to take responsibility for the safety of citizens.
NHAI again faced the ire of the public following the death of 69-year-old motorcyclist Titus Ferrao from Thokur who was killed by a truck while trying to elude a pothole on the national highway along Panambur-Baikampady road on July 18.
Earlier media sections including daijiworld.com had highlighted the distressing conditions on the Padil-Panemangalore highway, where repair efforts were undertaken just last month, only to have the potholes resurface within a short span due to relentless rainfall. The frequency of such incidents raises questions about the quality of roadwork and drainage systems, calling for swift action by the concerned officials and district administration to prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of road users.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, NHAI has mobilized a dedicated 24x7 task force to monitor the highway stretch and undertake necessary repairs to maintain safe motorable conditions. The authorities are determined to confront the challenges posed by the monsoon and have undertaken the responsibility of safeguarding commuters from potential hazards on the national highway.