Media Release

Udupi, Aug 2: Udupi–Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary chaired a high-level departmental meeting to address pressing development concerns related to the National Highway-66 (NH-66) service road and associated infrastructure projects.

Held at the Dr V S Acharya Auditorium in the Udupi deputy commissioner’s office, the meeting saw the MP direct officials to commence immediate construction of the approved 26-kilometre service road between Kundapura and Hejamady.

Discussions centred on the delayed underpass works at Santhekatte and Kallianpur, where only one side of the road has been completed. Expressing dissatisfaction over the delay, MP Kota issued a stern rebuke to concerned departments.

In response, NHAI project director Javed cited high groundwater levels and ongoing monsoon rains as reasons to defer the remaining works, stating that premature construction could compromise road quality. Despite this, the MP instructed that the remaining section be completed within a month, once conditions allow.

Attention was also directed to issues surrounding the Ambalpady flyover and related drainage problems. Kota questioned officials on reports of waterlogging near the junction, which had disrupted traffic.

Officials explained that heavy rains caused drainage overflow and potholes. These potholes have since been filled using interlocking tiles to ensure smoother traffic movement. Officials also assured that the flyover construction would be completed by the end of May.

Regarding the much-anticipated Katapady underpass, officials confirmed that construction is slated to begin in October. MP Kota emphasised the need for proper maintenance of the service road in the interim and directed officials to stock all necessary materials in advance.

The meeting also reviewed proposals for a flyover from Mahesh Hospital in Brahmavar to Dharmavaram Auditorium, and for an underpass between Gurunarasimha Temple and Anjaneya Temple in Sasthan. The MP directed that the underpass must be designed to allow unobstructed passage for temple chariot processions and instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive project report.

Other key issues discussed included:

• Repair of potholes on NH-66 during the monsoon

• Restoration of non-functional streetlights between Hejamady and Kundapura

• Identification and management of accident-prone zones in the Kundapura and Kota regions

• Reiteration of the directive to issue free toll passes for journalists at the Sasthan toll gate

The meeting was attended by Udupi deputy commissioner T K Swaroopa, Kundapura sub-divisional officer K Rashmi, NHAI project director Javed, along with engineers and contractors responsible for the respective development works.