Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)

Udupi, Nov 30: National highway 169A leading to Malpe had become an eyesore. The road had turned into a death trap. The situation at the railway bridge at Indrali and Parkala road had turned despicable. The locals and drivers of vehicles had urged the concerned to at least temporarily fill the potholes dotting these roads if the authorities were unable to conduct exhaustive road works now.

The opposition Congress had held protests on this issue. Manipal-Thirthahalli road is very busy because of heavy traffic. Parkala Junction has remained a bottleneck area for many years. Vehicle drivers on both sides of the road have to be adventurous and ready to handle tough situations if they have to pass this junction. People who are new to this road will find it very confusing to negotiate it.

Vehicle riders passing through Indrali were finding it hard to move ahead without the wheels jumping in and out of potholes. Even though the people's representatives had convinced the department to take action, no steps had been taken.

However, recently some of the dangerous potholes on these roads have been filled. Patch work is done to close the holes, but all the potholes have not been closed. The locals say that the work done now appears to be an eyewash. The blueprint of the railway bridge repair has been sent to the government and the concerned department but there is no confirmation as to when the bridge will become smooth.

Many had posted pictures of roads full of potholes and criticisms were heaped on the department. Finally, the potholes have been addressed but many potholes still are waiting to inflict damage. Connecting road which was dug for road work has been left as it is. The people however, feel a little relieved at several of the potholes having been closed at least temporarily.