Udupi: MP Kota warns NHAI, says toll collection must ensure safe, smooth travel

Udupi: MP Kota warns NHAI, says toll collection must ensure safe, smooth travel

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Sep 3, 2025: MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has cautioned that since the public is being charged tolls on national highways, it is the responsibility of the authorities and contractors to ensure smooth and safe travel in return. He directed National Highway Authority officials and contractors to improve maintenance and take immediate measures to prevent accidents.

Chairing a review meeting on the progress of National Highway-66 works at Rajathadri Hall in Manipal, the MP expressed concern that more than 250 accidents had occurred on the highway in the last two years, with eight fatalities on the spot in just the past two months.

“Contractors should not limit themselves to toll collection. Scientific measures must be taken at accident-prone black spots, with proper road lighting and signage installed. These works must be completed within a month to make highways accident-free,” he instructed.

He further said that approval has already been granted for three foot overbridges along the 66-km service road stretch from Koteshwar to Hejamadi, and with over 70% of materials procured, work should begin soon. He also stressed the urgent need for service roads along the Hejamadi–Kundapur section.

Plans are also underway to construct flyovers at Padubidri, Brahmavar, and Kota. “If the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are prepared and submitted quickly, the central authority will approve them. Officials must act without delay,” he added.

The MP insisted that project details must be displayed at all work sites. Referring to public complaints that poor streetlight maintenance at Padubidri was causing accidents, he warned that both officials and contractors would be held accountable if negligence led to mishaps.

Deputy Commissioner Swaroop T.K. noted that several installed streetlights were insufficiently bright and recommended using bulbs with a minimum illumination of 240 volts to improve visibility.

MLA Yashpal Suvarna highlighted the need for land acquisition to complete the service road between Udyavara and Balaipade. MLA Gurmey Suresh Shetty stressed that priority should be given to constructing a flyover at Padubidri to reduce frequent accidents.

Members of the National Highway Safety Committee also demanded service roads, flyovers, median openings, and adequate street lighting within Brahmavar town limits to ensure public safety.

The meeting was attended by SP Hariram Shankar, Assistant Commissioner Rashmi, NHAI Project Director Abdullah Mohammad Azmi, district officials, contractors, engineers, and committee members.