Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 16: The construction of the Ambalpady Junction overpass, a key infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion in the region, commenced on December 16. The 1-km-long overpass, estimated to cost Rs 23.53 crore, is scheduled for completion within 18 months.
Barricades have been installed on both sides of the road at Ambalpady Junction to ensure safety during the construction phase. Traffic on a 1-km stretch of National Highway 66 has been temporarily closed, with vehicles redirected to service roads.
Commuters traveling from Brahmagiri to Ambalpady will take a U-turn at Kinnimulki. Travellers from Ambalpady to Udupi are advised to use the Karavali bypass road. National Highway traffic will be rerouted through the Karavali bypass service road towards Kinnimulki Swagatha Gopura before proceeding to Mangaluru. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented these diversions, leading to increased traffic on service roads. To manage the situation, additional traffic police have been deployed in the region.
Basker Shetty, Convener of the Ambalpady National Highway 66 Users Forum, remarked, “We had submitted a memorandum to the then-minister, and today, our long-standing wish is being fulfilled. The project is being executed by Karla Construction and includes a 30-foot-wide gate, footpaths, and an underground drainage system for rainwater. The blueprint has been revised to prioritize commuter convenience, and we have requested the project be completed by next March.”
Shetty added that some disruptions during the monsoon are inevitable, emphasizing the need to vacate buildings on National Highway land to ensure smooth progress. “Opposing the construction is unnecessary; diversions are standard in road projects, and public cooperation is crucial. The NHAI must ensure proper connectivity between Brahmagiri and Ambalpady, as highlighted by the MLA. We will also submit a memorandum to the city municipality and district administration to address these concerns,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Ramesh Kanchan, president of the Udupi Taluk Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, expressed concerns over the project. “We welcome the overpass construction at Ambalpady Junction. However, the work began without prior notice to residents or details of traffic diversions. Past road works in Indrali, Parkala, and Kallianpur created significant disruptions, and similar fears have arisen for this project. Additionally, the reduction of the project budget from Rs 35 crore to Rs 23 crore raises doubts about its timely completion within these constraints. Transparency regarding the contractor and project details is lacking, and I urge the district administration to provide a comprehensive plan to address public concerns,” he said.