Pics: Nithin Pereira

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)

Udupi, Jul 8: Commuters continue to face severe inconvenience due to the poor condition of the roads and inadequate maintenance of the service roads at Santhekatte.

The newly constructed underpass has already developed potholes, while the walls along the service road have turned red as muddy water splashes onto them from passing vehicles. During rainfall, heavy vehicles create large splashes of water, making travel through the underpass difficult for both motorists and pedestrians. Water has accumulated along the road divider, indicating poor drainage. Plastic waste is also seen dumped along the roadside, adding to the unhygienic conditions.

Social worker Nityananda Volakadu said, "The bridge works at Udupi, Ambalpady, and Katpady are currently underway, but the recently completed Santhekatte project still has several pending issues. At Ambalpady, the work has been left incomplete on both sides after being partially completed. At Santhekatte, the service road gets waterlogged during the rainy season due to accumulated mud, and water splashes onto vehicles passing through the underpass whenever heavy vehicles drive by. In addition, the streetlights remain non-functional at night, creating difficulties for both motorists and pedestrians. The deputy commissioner should personally visit these sites, as they are among the most important locations in the district."

The service road remains incomplete, with one portion covered in tar while the remaining stretch has been left as mud. This uneven surface has resulted in severe waterlogging, making the road slippery. Residents say two-wheelers frequently skid on the muddy stretch, especially during rainy weather. The pedestrian overpass access area has also become waterlogged, forcing people to wade through stagnant water. Several potholes have appeared on both the service road and the newly built underpass, raising concerns over the quality of the work.

Motorists and local residents have expressed disappointment that, despite the ongoing project, there has been little visible progress in completing the road. They have urged the authorities to immediately complete the pending roadworks, improve drainage, repair potholes, and ensure proper maintenance to prevent further inconvenience and accidents.