Nayana J C

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Aug 6: The National Highway stretch near Kulur Bridge has become a major cause of concern for motorists, with deep potholes and a severely damaged road surface posing a serious threat to commuters and disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.

The road, one of the busiest arterial routes connecting Mangaluru with several parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, witnesses the movement of thousands of vehicles every day, including buses, lorries, trucks, cars, two-wheelers and emergency vehicles. However, the deteriorating condition of the highway has made daily travel increasingly difficult and hazardous.

Motorists say vehicles are forced to slow down or suddenly change lanes to avoid the large potholes, resulting in frequent traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The damaged road has not only increased travel time but has also raised the risk of accidents, particularly for two-wheeler riders.

The condition of the Kulur Bridge stretch has remained a recurring concern despite previous repair initiatives. Last year, following public outrage over pothole-ridden highways, authorities announced a Rs 28-crore maintenance project for the Surathkal–BC Road stretch and directed that urgent repair works be carried out. However, commuters allege that potholes have reappeared, once again making travel hazardous and causing severe traffic congestion.

Commuters alleged that despite the heavy traffic volume and the repeated inconvenience faced by the public, the damaged stretch has remained unattended for a considerable period. They urged the authorities to take up immediate repair work before the situation worsens further.

With the Kulur Bridge serving as a crucial gateway to the city, road users stressed that timely intervention is essential to prevent accidents, reduce traffic congestion, and restore smooth vehicular movement on this vital highway.