Commuters irked by M’luru Surathkal NH66 stretch

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 2, 2016: The stretch of NH 66 from Mangaluru and Surathkal on Highway is swamped by potholes making it difficult for even daily commuters to travel without damage to vehicles. The por condition of the stretch has made irked commuters.

Yatish Baikampady, CEO, Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project (PBTDP), said the situation had become pathetic after the monsoons started.

"Though Mangaluru registered vehicles (KA 19) don’t have to pay toll, we pay through our nose when it comes to repairing the vehicles. The discs and suspension get damaged quickly," he said.

"Being regular commuters, some at least know where the potholes are and so avoid them as far as possible. But think about travellers who use the highway, especially at night. Some potholes are so deep that the driver may lose control of the vehicle," he added.


He said if there is no change in the situation, the road users would come together and hold protest.  Admitting that the stretch is in a poor condition, NHAI Project Director S Vijay Kumar said, "The region gets heavy rainfall and whatever maintenance we do is not enough. Moreover, trucks parked by the NH at Panambur further damages the road."

Project director Kumar said he has alerted the agency, which is in charge of maintaining the stretch, to make repairs on this stretch.