Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Jul 12: Huge potholes are seen on national highway 66 after heavy rain in the month of July due to the unscientific repair work done by NH authorities, posing danger to motorists.
Numerous potholes are seen on NH66 from Katapady to Shastana toll gate. The repair work done before the monsoon has been washed away in the recent rains. Before monsoon, the authorities had repaired the roads in an unscientific method. The heavy rain has left potholes causing difficulty for people travelling by car, auto-rickshaw, two-wheelers and others.
The potholes are filled with rain water and the riders are unable to judge the depth, especially during the night which lands them in danger. Heavy vehicles drive over the rain water filled potholes splashing muck on the pedestrians.
The NH66 connects to different places. Being a busy road, vehicles travel in high speed. Heavy vehicles like trucks in a bid to avoid potholes, put the lives of other motorists in danger. The road is expected to be maintained as toll is collected from people. The public has demanded the use of scientific method to clear the potholes.
As the public demanded to close the potholes, the work regarding the same is in progress in Udyavar, Katapady and Baikady Brahmavar. The continuous rain is hampering the completion of work.
Alwyn Andrade, secretary National Highway Awareness Committee said, “Heavy rain has washed away the patch work done and no street lights works on the NH. We, the members of National Highway Awareness Committee have placed an appeal before the NH authorities. The authorities have informed us that the repair work will be started within 15 days. If the repair work does not take place within fifteen days, we will protest against them.”
Talking about the appeal, he said, “They have responded to our appeal and the repair work is in progress. They informed that to prevent accidents, they will close the potholes and later after monsoon, they will completely repair the road from Hejamadi till Kundapur.”
The potholes seen on the NH within a few months of repair work, exposes the quality of work done. It is the duty of the NH authorities to check the road and ensure safety of motorists. Even though they are trying to repair the potholes, there is a need for timely and quick action.