Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Apr 10: A long-standing demand of the public has finally been partially addressed, as one side of the underpass on National Highway 66 at Katapady in the district has been opened for vehicular traffic.

For several years, residents had been demanding the construction of an underpass at this busy junction, citing daily traffic difficulties and frequent accidents. The lack of proper infrastructure had caused significant inconvenience to commuters travelling through the area.

With the project now underway, the work is progressing rapidly towards completion. On Friday, April 10, Udupi–Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary and Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty visited the construction site and opened the first phase for vehicular movement.

As part of the ongoing development, one-way traffic movement has now been opened. Vehicles travelling from Mangaluru towards Udupi are currently allowed to pass through the stretch. Authorities have assured that the remaining section of the underpass will be completed before the onset of the monsoon.

The Katapady junction is a crucial link on the Udupi–Mangaluru route, and there had been strong public pressure to complete the project at the earliest. Meanwhile, due to ongoing work, vehicles are being diverted through alternative routes, causing daily inconvenience to commuters.

However, the commencement of one-way traffic has brought some relief to the public.