Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Jun 13: Residents have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the National Highway Authority officials for initiating pothole repair work amid heavy monsoon rains instead of carrying out the task during the dry summer months.

The flyover construction at Ambalpady is currently in progress, with vehicular traffic being diverted onto both sides of the service road from Kinnimulky to Karavali Junction. Over the past two months, the road has deteriorated significantly. District authorities had directed the concerned department to conduct repair works nearly a month ago. Following heavy rainfall towards the end of May, the condition of the service roads worsened. However, despite a ten-day dry spell afterward, no pothole-filling work was undertaken.

Surprisingly, on Thursday, as persistent rainfall continued, workers were seen dumping a mixture of gravel and stones into the potholes—sparking public anger.

The situation has become particularly dangerous for two-wheeler riders. Continuous rainwater fills the potholes, making it difficult for bikers and scooter riders to judge their depth. Several have already fallen and sustained injuries. Navigating the service roads at night has become a major challenge. Now, with gravel, stones, and muddy water spread across the entire stretch, the risk of skidding and accidents has increased.

The problem is especially severe in the sloped section descending from the Kinnimulky flyover, where loose gravel has scattered across the road, significantly increasing the chances of two-wheeler accidents.

Locals are now questioning the timing and logic of the repair work and urging officials to implement road safety measures more effectively and responsibly.