Udupi Deputy Commissioner pushes for infrastructure improvements in Highways Review Meeting

Udupi Deputy Commissioner pushes for infrastructure improvements in Highways Review Meeting

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, May 5, 2024: Chairing a highways review meeting at the Udupi district office on Saturday, May 4, Deputy Commissioner K. Vidyakumari directed the National Highways Authority of India to install a temporary bridge to assist pedestrians crossing the under-construction grade separator at Kallianapura-Santhekatte Junction on National Highway 66 in Udupi district.

Following a swift protest by Santhekatte residents on April 29 due to reported inconveniences faced by students and the public at the bustling junction, Ms. Vidyakumari visited the site on May 4. She later chaired the highways review meeting, where she highlighted complaints about pedestrians having to take lengthy detours for bus services and other issues. The DC also noted increased accidents and traffic congestion, conveying these concerns to NHAI officials.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Kota Srinivas Poojary, met with Ms. Vidyakumari during the day, urging swift action to address public grievances regarding the underpass project. He emphasized the need for NHAI to expedite the project, citing incidents of ambulances getting stuck in traffic at the junction.

During the meeting, Ms. Vidyakumari instructed the police to pursue criminal cases against the agency, contractor, and engineers in the event of accidents caused by alleged negligence. She also stressed the importance of proper signboards for traffic management at construction sites, especially with the impending monsoon season posing additional challenges.

Additionally, the DC instructed the National Highways Division of the State Public Works Department to promptly install the steel bow-arrow bridge on the Mangaluru-Mumbai Railway line of the Konkan Railway at Indrali on National Highway 169A between Udupi and Manipal. She emphasized the immediate assembly of steel girders already present at the site to expedite completion.

Furthermore, the DC urged the department to accelerate land acquisition for widening NH 169A from Karavali Junction of NH 66 to Malpe, emphasizing the need for prompt completion of the project.