Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 15: With vehicle overpass construction work under way at Katapady on National Highway 66, deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K directed officials to ensure smooth and safe movement of vehicles by providing proper alternative routes for commuters using the highway.
She was speaking while presiding over a meeting convened to discuss the overpass construction work at Katapady Junction on NH-66, held at the District Commissioner’s office conference hall at Rajathadri, Manipal, on December 15.
The deputy commissioner said that as the overpass work at Katapady junction has already commenced, a notification has been issued diverting vehicular traffic through alternative routes, and vehicles are currently using these roads.
However, complaints have been received from local body representatives and leaders that the movement of heavy vehicles through certain rural areas is causing inconvenience to the public.
She instructed officials to conduct field inspections and take appropriate measures to ensure that residents are not inconvenienced.
It was pointed out that heavy vehicles and trucks travelling from Shirva towards Udupi are being diverted via the Moodubelle–Denduru Katte and Alevoor routes. As these roads are narrow and some minor bridges are in a dilapidated condition, safety-related complaints have been received.
DC Swaroopa T K directed officials from the Public Works Department and the Panchayat Raj Engineering Department to inspect the roads and bridges and, if required, undertake works such as strengthening bridges and improving road infrastructure.
Former minister and KPCC State Campaign Committee president Vinay Kumar Sorake, speaking at the meeting, said that before implementing alternative traffic arrangements due to the overpass work at Katapady on NH-66, the confidence of elected representatives of seven local grama panchayats should have been taken.
He pointed out that some roads allow the movement of only one heavy vehicle at a time, and the arrival of light vehicles from the opposite direction is causing traffic disruptions. He also stressed the need for road widening at certain locations and for the repair and strengthening of weak bridges. He said he would discuss the matter with the public works minister and seek the release of necessary funds.
Local grama panchayat representatives expressed concern that the diversion of vehicles through alternative routes is affecting the smooth movement of residents in rural areas. They suggested that alternative routes be arranged closer to the ongoing construction stretch to minimise inconvenience to villagers.
Additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal, deputy superintendent of police Prabhu D T, National Highways Authority of India project director Abdullah Mohammed Azmi, representatives of local grama panchayats, district-level officers, taluk tahsildars, executive officers, engineers and others were present at the meeting.