Mangaluru: The pathetic condition of the road on NH-169 passing through Moodbidri-Karkala has been crying for immediate attention, while authorities concerned have been turning a blind eye to the state of affairs on this highway.
Protesting against this apathy, few villagers of Gurupura, under the leadership of MLC Ivan D’ Souza and MLA Moideen Bawa blocked the highway for over 30 minutes here, demanding commencement of four-laning work on the NH-169 and repair of the 94-year-old Gurupura bridge.
Addressing the gathering, MLC Ivan D’ Souza pointed out that the British-era Gurpura bridge is very narrow, besides being weak. In emergency situations, overtaking of vehicles by ambulances or fire brigades is an issue in this stretch.
He also slammed BJP MP Nalin Kumar Kateel for not taking any initiative to repair the 40-km stretch of the road riddled with potholes.
“What are you doing in the Parliament? What are your contributions? Are you waiting for deaths to occur due to these potholes, ” questioned the MLC seeking further answer on alternative arrangements for the crumbling Gurupur bridge.
A 5-point memorandum submitted to the Centre sought setting up of the national highway project at Moodabidri.
MLA Moideen Bawa too spoke on the issue.
