NHAI approves 26-km service road, six foot overbridges on NH-66: MP Kota Srinivas Poojary

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, July 18, 2025: In a significant step toward improving road safety, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the construction of a 26-kilometer service road and six foot overbridges along National Highway 66 between Koteshwara and Hejamady. This follows a series of fatal accidents and mounting public protests in the region. The announcement was made by Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary through a press release.

Public outcry intensified after a schoolboy tragically lost his life in a road accident near a school in Brahmavar, highlighting the urgent need for safer infrastructure. Protesters demanded immediate action at high-risk locations along the highway.

Responding to these concerns, NHAI has sanctioned service road development at 12 key spots and six pedestrian overbridges along the Kundapura–Nanthoor stretch of NH-66. In Udupi district, the approved service road stretches include:

* Koteshwara Bypass–Bance Granite–Bijadi Cross: 830 meters

* Bijadi–Tekkatte (Annapoorna Hotel–Sanvi Agency via Kumbashi): 3.5 km on both sides

* Tekkatte–Saligrama (Seva Sangama–Saligrama): 1.02 km on both sides

* Brahmavar (Mahesh Hospital–SMS Junior College): 400 meters on both sides

* Ambagilu (Indra Service Station–Mandara Wood Industries): 1 km on both sides

* Balayipade (Udyavara Junction–Deshna Bank): 325 meters (right side only)

* Udyavara (Balayipade–Kia Showroom): 1.64 km on both sides

* Bada Yermal (near Yermal Mosque): 2 km on both sides

* Hejamady (Padubidri–Kannangar Bakery via Bosco Company): 750 meters (right side only)

In Dakshina Kannada district, approved service roads include:

* Mulki: 500 meters

* Padupanambur: 310 meters

* Haleangady: 550 meters

* Beeri: 700 meters

The six sanctioned foot overbridges will be constructed at:

* Mahesh Hospital, Brahmavar

* Nittur, Udupi

* Thenka Yermal

* Bappanadu Temple, Mulki

* Srinivas College, Mukka

* Goregudde

Additionally, a 500-meter vehicular overpass has been approved at Katapady to enhance regional connectivity and safety.

MP Kota Srinivas Poojary confirmed that all these projects have received official clearance from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.