Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Jul 18: Following a spate of fatal accidents on national highway 66 and mounting public protests, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the construction of a 26-kilometer service road between Koteshwara and Hejamady, along with six foot overbridges. This was announced by Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary in a press release.
The demand for enhanced road safety infrastructure gained urgency after a tragic incident in Brahmavar, where a schoolboy was killed by a speeding vehicle near a school. Widespread protests ensued, prompting repeated appeals for improved road facilities at accident-prone zones.
In response to these developments, the NHAI has sanctioned service road construction at 12 locations and foot overbridges at six locations along the Kundapura–Nanthoor stretch of NH-66. The approved service road sections in Udupi district include Koteshwara Bypass to Bance Granite to Bijadi Cross (830 meters), Bijadi to Tekkatte (Annapoorna Hotel to Sanvi Agency via Kumbashi) covering 3.5 km on both sides, Tekkatte to Saligrama (Seva Sangama to Saligrama) with 1.02 km on both sides, Brahmavar (Mahesh Hospital to SMS Junior College) for 400 meters on both sides, Ambagilu (Indra Service Station to Mandara Wood Industries) for 1 km on both sides, Balayipade (Udyavara Junction to Deshna Bank) for 325 meters on the right side only, Udyavara (Balayipade to Udyavara Kia Showroom) for 1.64 km on both sides, Bada Yermal (near Yermal Mosque) for 2 km on both sides, and Hejamady (Bosco Company, Padubidri to near Kannangar Bakery) for 750 meters on the right side only.
In Dakshina Kannada district, service roads have been approved at Mulki (500 meters), Padupanambur (310 meters), Haleangady (550 meters), and Beeri (700 meters).
The six newly approved foot overbridges will be constructed in front of Mahesh Hospital, Brahmavar; Nittur, Udupi; Thenka Yermal; Bappanadu Temple, Mulki; Srinivas College, Mukka; and Goregudde.
MP Kota Srinivas Poojary confirmed that all these projects have received official approval from the ministry of road transport and highways.
Additionally, the NHAI has sanctioned a 500-meter-long vehicular overpass at Katapady to further improve road connectivity and safety in the region.