Mangaluru: Residents of Dakshina Kannada and Mangaluru city have raised strong objections to the continued collection of road taxes and toll charges despite the poor condition of highways and arterial roads. Citizens allege that despite paying significant sums towards road infrastructure, they are forced to endure dangerous stretches riddled with potholes, bottlenecks, and broken surfaces, directly contributing to accidents and fatalities.

A formal representation highlighting these issues has been submitted to the deputy commissioner, police authorities, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Regional Transport Authority. The petition was spearheaded by Dr. B. Radheshyam of Konchady, who stressed the alarming mismatch between the revenue collected from citizens and the services delivered in return.

Roads plagued by accidents and fatalities

The petition underlined the severe consequences of poorly maintained roads, citing Karnataka’s road safety record. In 2023 alone, the state reported 43,440 accidents and 12,321 deaths, placing it among the top six states in India with the highest road fatalities.

NH-66, a major highway running through Mangaluru, has witnessed over 250 accidents in the past two years. Several of these were fatal, with numerous deaths reported in recent months. Citizens argued that those paying road tax and toll are denied safe or time-bound travel, which constitutes a deficiency of service.

Dr. Radheshyam drew attention to judicial precedents, noting that the Supreme Court and various high courts have ruled that failure to maintain roads amounts to a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution — the right to life. “Every unattended pothole is a potential death trap,” he said, adding that authorities must be held accountable for their failure to provide safe and serviceable roads.

Impact on Silicon Beach ambitions

The petition also warned that poor road infrastructure undermines Mangaluru’s aspirations under the Silicon Beach Programme, an initiative aimed at positioning the city as a world-class hub for education, technology, healthcare, housing, and tourism.

Mangaluru is home to more than 225 technology companies employing over 20,000 professionals, alongside prestigious educational institutions, multi-specialty hospitals, premium housing projects, and a growing tourism sector. The lack of safe and reliable road connectivity, the petition argued, threatens not only commute safety but also talent mobility, economic growth, and investor confidence.

Citizens demand accountability

The representation listed a series of demands for immediate government action. Among them were:

  • Urgent repair and maintenance of national highways, arterial roads, and city streets.

  • Public disclosure of accident-prone black spots, bottlenecks, and rectification deadlines.

  • Installation of clear signage across all major roads.

  • Accountability measures, including penalties for negligent contractors and officials.

  • Fair enforcement of traffic laws, withholding fines until road safety standards are ensured.

  • Travel-time guarantees for major corridors.

  • A compensation framework for pothole-related deaths, injuries, and property damages.

    • The petition also called for authorities to adopt a service-oriented approach, arguing that if citizens can be penalised for negligence, government agencies and contractors must face similar consequences when their failures put lives at risk.

    A call for safe, serviceable roads

    The representation concluded by emphasising the need for reliable road infrastructure to sustain Mangaluru’s growth trajectory. “Maintaining safe and dependable roads is essential to safeguard Mangaluru’s position as a Silicon Beach city, ensuring it remains attractive for investment, talent, tourism, and world-class living standards,” said Dr. Radheshyam.

    With public pressure mounting, all eyes are now on the concerned authorities to address citizen grievances and take swift corrective measures to make travel safe across the region.