Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 16: The long-standing demand to construct an underpass in front of the Kaikamba Pompei Gate on the Mangaluru–Moodbidri National Highway 169 has finally been approved, marking a victory for the repeated protests organized by the Kaikamba Nagarika Horata Samiti. The National Highways Authority has now given the green signal for the underpass work at Kaikamba.

At present, an elevated highway has been constructed at Gurpur–Kaikamba by filling soil and building walls, effectively dividing the Kaikamba market area into two parts. This has raised concerns that business and commercial activities in Kaikamba town will be affected. The project, termed unscientific by locals, is also expected to cause inconvenience to residents. Those travelling to Kandavara and Adyapadi would have to take a detour of about 1 km. Residents had been demanding that either an open highway like the one built at Vamanjoor be constructed here or an underpass be provided.

The agitation demanding the construction of an underpass saw participation from traders, auto-rickshaw drivers and members of various organizations, cutting across party, religious and caste lines. The Kaikamba Nagarika Horata Samiti had also staged a continuous three-day protest from February 7.

Meanwhile, local MLA Dr Bharath Shetty had submitted several representations to the union highways department through MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and had expressed support for the agitation of the committee. On February 20, a person named Suresh staged a solo protest at the construction site in front of the Pompei Gate, urging authorities to build an underpass there for the benefit of the public.

Leaders of the agitation committee have termed the approval as a victory for their struggle. They expressed gratitude to the MLA, the MP and the central government, and urged that the highway work at Kaikamba be completed at the earliest.

The highway is being constructed above ground level in front of the Gurpur Kaikamba Pompei Gate. The National Highways authority under the central government has approved the proposal to construct an underpass to connect the service roads on both sides.

Though the design of the underpass has not yet been finalized, it is generally expected to be around 7 feet in height and 15 feet in width. According to a source from the National Highways department, the underpass will allow the movement of school buses, mini buses, cars, two- and three-wheelers (small vehicles) as well as pedestrians.