Hariprasad Nandalike, Karkala

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Karkala, Jun 25: The village of Mundkur has created a daily struggle for motorists and pedestrians due to deteriorating road conditions, despite the construction of a new culvert which has already fallen into disrepair, leading to traffic jams and pedestrian hardship.

For a long time, an old culvert near Padittaru on the highway connecting Mundkur town to Kinnigoli was riddled with potholes. The cement slab had also lifted, causing the culvert to collapse. Despite a new culvert being built at the request of the locals, the issue remains unresolved. The roads on either side have not been levelled, leading to the formation of large pits that make it difficult for vehicles to cross, resulting in accidents.

This road, connecting to Belman, is a crucial route for commuters heading to the international airport, accessible from Kinnigoli, Kateel, and Moodbidri. Although the road extension work at Mundkur is incomplete, the route from Belman to Mundkur Jain town has been widened and asphalted. The road from Sankalkaria to Padittaru has been reconstructed, but there are still potholes near the newly built culvert, causing frequent accidents. Drivers, unaware of the pothole near the Padittaru culvert, often face trouble, resulting in numerous incidents of bikers getting hurt.

The Padittaru culvert, which was in a dilapidated condition, was repaired a few months ago. However, the road near Padittaru has deteriorated since the culvert's construction, with huge potholes causing daily problems for the residents. The contractor failed to level the road on both sides of the culvert, leading to a growing, unmanaged hole next to the culvert, making driving hazardous. Villagers allege that the culvert's construction was done unscientifically.

Residents are frustrated with the sight of muddy water pooling in road potholes near the culvert, splashing pedestrians, schoolchildren, and cyclists as vehicles pass by. They criticize the local authorities, administration, and contractors for ignoring their plight despite enduring these issues for several months.

Rajesh Poojary, a local resident, commented on the difficulties, saying, "Despite the demolition of the old culvert in Padittaru and the construction of a new one, the issue persists. The poorly executed work has led to the formation of potholes on the road, severely disrupting vehicular traffic."

Sudesh Kumar, a commuter, expressed his frustration, stating, "After the construction of the culvert, potholes have increased on the road. The contractor has not addressed the levelling of the road next to the culvert, causing difficulties for motorists and pedestrians alike."

Supreetha, a student, described the situation, "When we travel to school along this road, passing vehicles splash muddy water from the potholes onto us. Our clothes have been soaked numerous times."