Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 26: The Surathkal Toll Gate Horata Samithi staged a protest at Kulur bridge on Tuesday, November 26, demanding comprehensive repairs to the Surathkal-Nanthoor road, completion of the Kulur bridge, and timely execution of the Nanthoor flyover project.

Muneer Katipalla, addressing the gathering, stated, “The Mangaluru-Surathkal stretch has witnessed numerous accidents due to potholes, leading to several fatalities over the years. Instead of temporary pothole repairs that fail within months, the NHAI and concerned authorities must construct a durable road.”

Highlighting infrastructure delays, he said, “The old Kulur bridge is unsafe for vehicular movement. Despite six years of construction, the new bridge remains incomplete, and work has once again come to a halt. Its completion is urgently needed. Additionally, the Nanthoor flyover must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.”

Katipalla criticized the police commissioner’s approach toward the protest, saying, “The police commissioner denied us permission for the protest and sent a notice, displaying authoritarian tendencies. Meanwhile, permissions were granted easily for events like the food fest organized by the MLA and ABVP protests at University College. The commissioner should be ashamed, as he fails to engage with the public. Even a constable understands the public better than he does.”

He also accused the commissioner of negligence: “The city is plagued by crimes such as gambling and the sand mafia, which the police commissioner seems to overlook. The deaths caused by accidents due to potholes are a crime, yet he appears indifferent. His inaction borders on sadism.”

Katipalla concluded by warning of future actions, saying, “If these issues are not addressed, we will organize a rally called ‘Commissioner Hatao’ at the police commissioner’s office.”

Demands of the protesters

• Construct high-quality roads on the Mangaluru-Surathkal stretch as per NHAI guidelines, instead of patchwork repairs.
• Resume and complete the construction of the new Kulur bridge, as the old one is unsafe for vehicular use.
• Complete the Nanthoor flyover within the stipulated timeframe to reduce daily traffic congestion.
• Construct service roads on both sides, repair street lights, trim divider bushes, and clean drainage systems.
• Build a flyover or underpass at KPT Junction to alleviate traffic congestion.
• Stop tolerating substandard construction practices, as seen in the Pumpwell flyover, Surathkal flyover, Kottara Chowki flyover, and Baikampady railway bridge projects.