Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 11: The reply given by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials, attributing the poor condition of the Surathkal–Nanthoor stretch of National Highway to the closure of the Surathkal toll gate, has sparked outrage among citizens.

A concerned citizen had written an email to the office of the NHAI project director in Mangaluru, urging repair of the severely damaged highway. However, the response received indicated that the failure to repair the road was not due to the negligence of the authorities but rather the result of public demand that led to the closure of the toll gate, which was meant to fund road maintenance. This tone of reply has angered citizens further.

Officials stated that maintaining the highway requires funds, and the Surathkal toll gate had been set up specifically to ensure proper upkeep of the Surathkal–Nanthoor stretch. However, due to persistent public pressure, the toll gate was shut down, resulting in a shortage of funds for maintenance. Even so, they clarified that funds have now been allocated for permanent repairs, which will be taken up once the rains subside.

The officials also mentioned that repair works are currently in progress in areas such as NMPT, KIOCL, and Kuloor. Nevertheless, the explanation that road repairs are being delayed solely because of the toll gate’s closure has raised serious questions among citizens about the accountability of the authorities.