During the Karnataka Development Programme review meeting on Friday, July 5, in Dakshina Kannada, district in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao expressed serious concern over frequent waterlogging issues at a steep curve on National Highway 75 near Thumbe, between Mangaluru and B.C. Road. He directed the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to take immediate steps to resolve the problem and ensure proper maintenance of highway stretches throughout the district.
Accompanied by Ivan D’Souza, MLC, and Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan, Minister Rao criticized NHAI officials for their alleged inaction despite repeated incidents of waterlogging causing accidents near Kottara Chowki and Kuntikana. Muhilan emphasized that despite receiving a disaster plan from NHAI earlier in the year, the specific area of concern had not been addressed, leading to ongoing safety hazards.
NHAI officials claimed to have taken corrective measures, but Member of Parliament Capt. Brijesh Chowta, who personally observed the area, corroborated ongoing issues with waterlogging at the identified curve. Minister Rao further directed NHAI and the NH division of the Public Works Department to ensure continuous maintenance and repair of NH stretches to prevent accidents and ensure motorable conditions year-round.
Additionally, Minister Rao instructed an inquiry into the recent collapse of a retaining wall at the Mangaluru Smart City Limited’s Riverfront Development project, stressing the importance of maintaining public infrastructure standards. He also addressed delays in evicting leaseholders from the Portland, urging prompt action by port officials.