Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala
Karkala, Nov 26: In response to reports highlighting lapses in the development of National Highway-169 between Mangaluru and Karkala, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated action, conducting overnight patchwork repairs. The need for expediting the development work remains crucial.
On November 25, a Daijiworld team visited the affected areas along with Sanur gram panchayat president Yuvraj Jain to gather necessary information.
The team contacted Balaji, the supervisor overseeing the national highway development project, and urged swift action to fill the large potholes. Balaji assured positive action, following which repair work began in the afternoon. Starting near Karkala bypass, the patchwork continued until late at night in Beluvai.
Persistent issues in highway development
Daijiworld had previously reported extensively on the problems plaguing the project. Under the headline "Death Traps on the National Highway," it highlighted how the slow pace of work and negligence were endangering lives.
The construction of the 17 km stretch between Beluvai and Karkala began two years ago but remains incomplete, leaving commuters to face ongoing hardships. Large potholes have become death traps, especially near the Sanur Avinash Compound and the bypass leading to Sanur. Daily commuters, particularly two-wheeler riders, are frequently involved in accidents caused by these hazards.
The report also pointed out issues like incomplete link roads, loose gravel spilling onto the highway, and insufficient resources allocated to the project.
Media impact
Yuvraj Jain stated that the media plays a crucial role as the fourth pillar of democracy by exposing administrative lapses. He appreciated Daijiworld for bringing the matter to light, which prompted authorities to take action.
Local concerns
Abdul, a garage owner near the bypass, shared his experiences of assisting accident victims daily. He stressed the urgency of filling the potholes to prevent further mishaps.
Jain further emphasized that the work must progress at a faster pace, with proper attention to safety measures. While some repairs have begun, much more remains to be done to ensure the road's usability and safety.