Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi
Udupi, May 8: In a significant step toward easing traffic congestion in the temple town, work on the much-anticipated underpass and flyover at Ambalpady Junction on National Highway 66 is progressing at a brisk pace. On Wednesday, major developments unfolded as girders were successfully installed for the flyover portion of the ambitious project.
With a total allocation of Rs 23.53 crore, the project has been entrusted to Karla Constructions and officially commenced on December 16 last year. The construction involves the installation of 20 massive girders, lifted and positioned on pre-erected pillars using four high-capacity cranes.
Following the girder installation, construction of the concrete slab will begin shortly. According to company sources, efforts are underway to open the lower deck of the flyover for vehicular movement from Brahmagiri to Ambalpady by the end of this month, aiming to provide early relief to daily commuters.
At present, due to ongoing work, vehicles heading from Brahmagiri to Ambalpady are being diverted through the Kinni Mulki welcome arch, while those traveling from Ambalpady to Udupi are being rerouted via the Karavali bypass.
Set to be completed by May 2026, the entire flyover will stretch 1.2 kilometers in length and 22 meters in width, comprising six lanes. The underpass section, connecting Brahmagiri and Kadegar, will include a central pillar and feature a total width of 30 meters, with 15-meter-wide roads on either side.
Yadnandan Sahu, assistant highway maintenance engineer, said, “The project deadline is May 26, 2026, but we are aiming to complete it ahead of schedule. The slab work for the crossing will be finished by the end of May 2025, after which the road will be opened for crossing. Until then, traffic will be restricted for safety reasons. Repair work on the service road will also be completed. The flyover has a clearance height of 5.5 meters and a width of 16.1 meters, while the service road is 5.5 meters wide. The project is being executed with a budget of Rs 23.53 crore, and the junctions on both sides will be developed.”
Harish Shetty, Councillor of Ambalpady ward, said, “The construction work is progressing swiftly under the supervision of Karla Construction contractors. The department is managing the traffic congestion as well. I must acknowledge the efforts of the Ambalpady Citizens’ Agitation Committee, their struggle has accelerated the project. We have long fought for this flyover, as frequent accidents occurred here. The construction is expected to take around 7–8 months, though monsoon rains may slow the pace. Both the MLA and MP have taken keen interest in the project and personally reviewed the work. They have assured that the road connecting Ambalpady to Udupi will be opened within a month.”
Locals have welcomed the progress, expressing hope that the new infrastructure will ease the persistent traffic snarls at the busy junction, which has long been a bottleneck during peak hours.