Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/EP)

Udupi, May 4: "Arrange alternative roads and prioritize national highway works to ensure smooth traffic flow," stated deputy commissioner (DC) Dr K Vidyakumari during a progress review meeting held at the deputy commissioner' office’s auditorium. She personally inspected the work sites at Santhekatte concerning NH 66 and 169A on May 4.

"Complaints have been received that the ongoing development works for the NH 66 Santhekatte underpass are obstructing the movement of people and vehicles, leading to accidents. Immediate solutions should be implemented to address the concerns raised by the public," she emphasized to the engineers.

"People, including business travellers and students commuting to schools, are forced to cover long distances, sometimes up to a kilometre, to cross the road. A temporary pedestrian overbridge should be erected to facilitate safe crossing," she suggested.

"Legal actions should be taken against engineers in the event of accidents occurring at national highway work sites due to negligence on the part of contractors or engineers," she instructed police officials.

"Prominently display signboards indicating designated roads, speed limits, and warnings of ongoing works to ensure road safety. With the monsoon season approaching next month, pre-emptive measures should be taken to mitigate potential disruptions to work and traffic," she advised.

"The iron girders received for the railway overbridge at Indrali should be promptly assembled," she directed officials.

"Commence and expedite the land acquisition process for highway works from Karavali junction to Malpe in coordination with subdivision officers and highway officials. Additionally, efforts should be made to resolve the land acquisition case for the national highway near Parkala through coordinated legal action," she added.

District SP Dr Arun K highlighted that negligence during construction works can lead to loss of lives and emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent accidents. "It is the responsibility of those undertaking the work to prevent such incidents. Legal action should be taken against engineers in the event of mishaps, and disciplinary measures will be enforced against officers failing to address these issues," he asserted.

Assistant commissioner Rashmi, Udupi tahsildar Gururaj, national highway authority project director Abdulla Mohammed Azmi and others were present.