PIcs: Ranjan Shirva

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)

Udupi, Apr 29: Vehicle movement on the much-awaited Ambalpady overpass is expected to begin between May 15 and May 20, according to Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary.

Speaking to Daijiworld, the MP said, “The project is progressing at a fast pace and will soon ease connectivity between Udupi and Mangaluru. The Ambalpady overpass was taken up due to the increasing number of accidents in the area. The work is now nearing completion, and vehicle movement will likely be allowed between May 15 and 20.”

He added that Udupi has recently witnessed significant progress in other key infrastructure projects. “The Kallianpur–Santhekatte stretch has been completed, and traffic is moving smoothly. At Katapady, one side of the work was completed within six months, which has helped ease congestion. Work is also ongoing on the Hejamady–Kundapura stretch of National Highway 66. This stretch covers about 64 km, and we are constructing service roads on both sides. A number of accidents had occurred here earlier; with these developments, we expect accidents to reduce by nearly 80 per cent. So far, around 24 km of work has been completed, and the remaining portion will be finished soon,” he said.

He further informed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for the NH-66 stretch from Talapady to Shiruru. “A six-month survey is required to identify locations where flyovers and other infrastructure are necessary. Once the DPR is ready and approved by the central government, the projects will be taken up. The plan also includes the widening of dividers and additional safety measures. If everything goes as planned, we will see a highway similar to the high-quality roads seen towards Kannur in Kerala,” he added.