High Fatality Rate on NH 66 in Udupi District Sparks Urgent Safety Measures
By Renata Fernandes20 August 20248:36 pm
The National Highway stretch between Hejamady and Shiroor in Udupi district, notorious for its high number of fatal accidents, has seen 222 fatalities in 2023 alone, according to the district police department. The stretch, part of NH 66, reported 1,284 accidents last year, leading to 1,381 injuries.
Key issues identified include:
- Unscientific Road Design: Inadequate and poorly planned infrastructure.
- Incomplete Service Roads: Insufficient access and exit points.
- Wrong-Side Riding/Driving: Common violations contributing to accidents.
Key Black Spots
An expert study by MIT, Manipal, highlighted 21 dangerous spots:
- Padubidri
- Uchila
- Moolur
- Pangala
- Ambalapady Junction
- Nittur
- Ambagilu
- Ashirvad
- Santhekatte Junction
- Brahmavara Mahesh Hospital Junction
- Brahmavara Akashavani Circle
- Kumragod Cross
- Kota Junction
- Thekkatte
- Kumbhashi Swagatha Gopura
- Kundapur Nehru Maidan Road
- Tallur
- Trasi
- Yadthare
- Neergadde Shiroor
- Ottinene
Response and Actions
- Udupi District Collector Dr. Vidyakumari has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement corrective measures to reduce accidents.
- Monthly Meetings: Engineers are instructed to discuss and prioritize safety improvements.
- Surface Improvement: The road has recently been paved with stone matrix asphalt (SMA) to enhance riding quality.
The district is actively working to address these issues to improve road safety and reduce accident rates on this hazardous stretch of NH 66.
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