Bantwal: A severely cratered service road near the Brahmakootlu Toll Plaza on National Highway 75 has become a nightmare for commuters, with locals comparing the stretch to a lunar surface rather than a functional roadway. The road, which was meant to provide toll-free access for local traffic near B C Road, has now deteriorated into a hazardous path riddled with massive potholes and trenches.
Residents voice frustration
“What was once an alternative to avoid tolls has now become a daily nightmare,” said a local motorist. “We’d rather pay the toll than risk driving over this death trap.”
The connecting ramp from the service road to the highway has drawn particular criticism. With potholes nearly a foot deep, light vehicles frequently scrape their undercarriage or risk getting stuck — especially during peak traffic hours or after heavy rainfall. “It feels like you’re climbing a hill with your wheels sinking into holes,” another driver explained in frustration.
Allegations of neglect
Despite repeated complaints, residents say no repair work has been taken up. They accuse the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) of deliberately ignoring the service road’s condition. Some even speculate that the neglect may be intentional, aimed at discouraging toll avoidance by making the service road unusable.
“If that’s the case, it’s deeply unfair,” said a shopkeeper in the locality. “Why should locals suffer or be forced to pay tolls when the law provides for service roads?”
Rising costs and limited choices
The worsening condition has left residents with a grim choice: either risk accidents and vehicle damage on the service road or pay tolls daily. Many have already shifted to using the toll route, citing safety concerns. But for those commuting every day, toll charges are a significant burden.
“Not everyone can afford to pay toll fees every day. For us locals, the service road is a necessity, not a luxury,” pointed out another vehicle owner.
Call for urgent action
With monsoon rains easing, locals are demanding that immediate intervention be taken. Residents are pressing the Dakshina Kannada district administration to direct NHAI to take up urgent repair work. They have also stressed that patchwork will not suffice — a complete resurfacing of the service road, proper drainage facilities, and lasting infrastructure improvements are the need of the hour.
“This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety,” emphasised one resident. “People could lose control, suffer injuries, or worse. It’s unacceptable that we risk our lives and vehicles just to avoid paying toll fees.”
Mounting public anger
The service road, designed as a public right, has now become symbolic of what residents see as administrative neglect. With public anger mounting, many warn that authorities cannot continue to ignore the situation. The demand is clear: fix the road before it claims more than just shock absorbers.