Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 6: With the number of vehicles rising steadily on the Mangaluru–Goa National Highway (NH-66), the ministry of road transport and highways is reportedly considering the construction of three additional flyovers at Kottara Chowki, Kuloor, and Surathkal.

Mangaluru North MLA Y Bharath Shetty said he had submitted a proposal to the ministry seeking approvals for the flyovers. “The existing flyovers at Kottara Chowki, Kulur, and Surathkal allow only one-way traffic movement. All three locations fall within city limits, so additional flyovers are essential to ease traffic congestion on this busy national highway stretch,” he added.

Kulur highway (file photo)

The MLA explained that due to the lack of two-way flyovers, all vehicles, including heavy vehicles, are forced to move on city roads in a single direction, creating bottlenecks.

“Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has also raised this demand with the union minister. The proposal is currently at the detailed project report (DPR) stage, according to NHAI officials,” Shetty said.

He added that NHAI will conduct a feasibility study to prepare the DPR, and fund allocation will be made based on the report. “Since this is an essential requirement, I will continue to push for it. I will meet the minister along with the MP to ensure the DPR is prepared at the earliest,” he said.

Currently, the Kottara Chowki flyover allows one-way traffic towards Goa, while the flyovers at Kulur and Surathkal cater to traffic heading towards Mangaluru. This arrangement, he noted, leads to congestion at all three busy locations.