The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the construction of a 26-kilometre service road and six foot overbridges along National Highway 66 between Koteshwara and Hejamady. This crucial decision follows a series of tragic accidents and mounting public protests in the region, underscoring a vital commitment to enhancing road safety and improving urban connectivity for the benefit of all citizens.
The urgent need for safer infrastructure became acutely apparent after a schoolboy tragically lost his life in a road accident near a school in Brahmavar, igniting widespread public outcry. Protesters vociferously demanded immediate action at high-risk locations along the highway, compelling authorities to address the critical safety gaps. The NHAI’s approval, as announced by Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, is a direct response to these compelling public concerns, demonstrating the impact of citizen advocacy on infrastructure development.
The sanctioned service road development will span 12 key spots and include six pedestrian overbridges along the Kundapura–Nanthoor stretch of NH-66. In Udupi district, approved service road stretches include critical segments such as Koteshwara Bypass–Bance Granite–Bijadi Cross, Bijadi–Tekkatte, and Brahmavar (Mahesh Hospital–SMS Junior College), among others. In Dakshina Kannada district, approved sections include Mulki, Padupanambur, and Haleangady, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the affected areas.
The six sanctioned foot overbridges are strategically located at high-traffic and sensitive points, including Mahesh Hospital in Brahmavar, Nittur in Udupi, and Bappanadu Temple in Mulki. These pedestrian-focused structures are vital for ensuring the safe passage of pedestrians, particularly students and vulnerable populations, across a busy highway. By separating pedestrian and vehicular traffic, these overbridges will significantly reduce the risk of accidents, thereby fostering a more secure and gender-neutral urban environment.
Additionally, a 500-meter vehicular overpass has been approved at Katapady, further enhancing regional connectivity and safety. All these projects have received official clearance from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, signalling a concerted effort to upgrade the region’s transport infrastructure. This comprehensive approach to road safety and connectivity is essential for promoting sustainable urban development, reducing vehicular congestion, and contributing to a lower carbon footprint by facilitating smoother traffic flow. Ultimately, these improvements are poised to enhance the quality of life and ensure safer commutes for thousands of residents in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts.
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