Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Brahmavar, May 13: Residents of Brahmavar have intensified their demand for a long, multi-lane flyover from SMS Junction to the Dharmavara Auditorium, citing increasing traffic congestion and frequent accidents at major junctions in the town. Locals say the stretch covering SMS Junction, Akashvani Junction, and the Dharmavara Auditorium has become a major 'black spot' with repeated road mishaps and heavy traffic jams affecting daily commuters, ambulance movement, and public transport.
Speaking to Daijiworld, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said, “We have requested the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and they will be sending a team to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR). Not only Brahmavar but many other important places in Udupi district will also be reviewed. Based on the report, we will seek immediate sanction from the central government and begin the work.”
Social activist Alwyn Andrade said, “We have held many protests demanding a flyover on the Akashvani-Brahmavar road because Brahmavar has become a black spot. There is no other place in Udupi facing such repeated accidents. The only solution is a flyover, as Akashvani Junction, Barkur Junction, and SMS College Junction are major accident-prone points. We do not want an embankment-style flyover like the one in Ambalpady. We want a pillar-based flyover like in Kalladka, which can permanently solve the traffic and safety issues. Until this project is implemented, we will continue our fight. Our MP, Kota Srinivas Poojary, has assured us that a DPR will be prepared, and we hope the process begins soon.”
Krishna Poojary, president of the Akashvani Rickshaw Stand, said, “The traffic problems at Katapady and Santhekatte have been solved, but the Akashvani-Brahmavar bus stand and nearby junctions continue to face daily traffic blocks and accidents. We have protested and raised this issue before the authorities several times, but no action has been taken. Now, during the vacation season, vehicles remain stuck for more than two hours. Rickshaws cannot move, and heavy vehicles find it difficult to navigate the turns. We request the DC and SP to take immediate action and construct the flyover. Many lives can be saved through this project; this work should have been completed long ago.”
Vittal, a local shop owner near Akashvani Junction, shared his struggles. “Akashvani Junction is facing many problems, and a flyover is the only solution. During the holiday season, traffic increases heavily, and accidents occur regularly. Whenever accidents happen, we locals help shift victims to the hospital and clear the traffic. New drivers, especially, struggle to understand the road because there are many turns in this stretch. The authorities should speed up the flyover project,” he said.
Another resident, Gopal, highlighted the plight of emergency services. “We need a flyover here because locals are facing many problems. Even ambulances get stuck in traffic. Ministers do not experience this because they travel in 'zero traffic'. If they travelled in regular traffic, they would understand what people are going through. For now, even an underpass or a temporary solution is fine if the authorities begin some work for the public. Development like Katapady and Santhekatte should happen here too,” he stated.
Residents have strongly urged the authorities to construct a long, pillar-based flyover to ensure adequate space for vehicle movement and parking underneath. They have also demanded the immediate planning and execution of the project before more tragedies occur on this busy national highway stretch.