Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 18: The Sanoor–Bikarnakatte highway widening project, which began around 2021–22, remains incomplete even after several years. The pace of work continues to be extremely slow, with no clarity regarding the current status or the expected date of completion.

The condition of the stretch has deteriorated, causing severe inconvenience to daily commuters. Uneven surfaces, broken patches, and poorly designed turning points make driving difficult, while constant dust pollution adds to the discomfort. Motorists also face significant risks at night due to the absence of proper signboards and streetlights.

Despite these challenges, the public continues to use the route in the hope that the project will soon be completed. Initially, the highway was expected to be ready by June 2025, but currently, nearly 20–25 km of the stretch remains unfinished.

What has drawn public criticism is the visible difference in the pace of work between the tollgate construction and the main roadwork. While the tollgate structure, signage, and staff quarters appear to be progressing rapidly and could reportedly be ready within the next couple of months, the highway itself remains neglected.

Residents have questioned why officials and the construction company seem to be prioritizing toll-related infrastructure over the completion of the actual road. For nearly four years, people have been dealing with dust, damaged roads, and inconvenience, yet the toll collection setup appears to be advancing swiftly.

From Bikarnakatte to Suralpady, only minimal activity can be observed, with a handful of workers engaged in minor tasks. Locals have urged that the roadwork be completed before any toll collection begins.

The public now hopes that the concerned authorities, ministers, and the executing company will take urgent action to expedite the project and ensure the completion of the highway for the safety and convenience of all road users.