Mangaluru: Deep potholes and a severely damaged stretch of the National Highway near Kulur Bridge have once again become a major concern for motorists, with commuters warning that the deteriorating road condition is increasing the risk of accidents while causing persistent traffic congestion. The stretch, which serves as one of the busiest entry points to the city, has witnessed growing frustration among road users who are demanding immediate intervention from the authorities.
Busy highway turns into a daily challenge
The National Highway near Kulur Bridge is a vital transport corridor connecting Mangaluru with several parts of Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring Udupi district. Every day, thousands of vehicles, including government and private buses, goods carriers, trucks, cars, ambulances and two-wheelers, use the route for commuting and transportation.
However, motorists say travelling along the stretch has become increasingly difficult due to the emergence of deep potholes and an uneven road surface. The damaged portions of the highway force drivers to reduce speed abruptly or swerve between lanes to avoid the potholes, creating dangerous situations for all road users.
Frequent lane changes and sudden braking have also resulted in traffic bottlenecks, particularly during morning and evening peak hours, when the volume of vehicles is at its highest.
Two-wheeler riders face greater risk
Among all commuters, two-wheeler riders are considered the most vulnerable on the damaged stretch. Uneven road surfaces and water-filled potholes make it difficult for riders to judge the depth of the craters, especially during rainy weather.
Motorists said even experienced riders struggle to navigate the stretch safely, while those unfamiliar with the road are at greater risk of losing control of their vehicles. Commuters fear that unless repairs are carried out immediately, the likelihood of accidents could increase significantly.
Apart from posing safety risks, the poor condition of the road has also led to additional wear and tear on vehicles, resulting in higher maintenance costs for motorists who use the route regularly.
Traffic congestion worsens during peak hours
The damaged road has become a major contributor to traffic congestion around the Kulur Bridge area. Vehicles are often forced to crawl through the affected stretch, creating long queues during office hours and weekends.
Heavy vehicles, including trucks and container lorries, further slow traffic movement as they negotiate the pothole-ridden road with caution. The congestion also affects public transport services, delaying buses and inconveniencing passengers travelling to educational institutions, workplaces and commercial establishments.
Residents and regular commuters say the delays have become a routine part of travelling through the area, increasing travel time considerably.
Recurring issue despite earlier repair efforts
The condition of the Kulur Bridge stretch has remained a recurring issue despite previous maintenance initiatives.
Last year, widespread public criticism over pothole-ridden National Highways prompted authorities to announce a Rs 28-crore maintenance project for the Surathkal–BC Road stretch. Officials had then directed that urgent repair works be undertaken to restore damaged portions of the highway.
However, commuters allege that the repairs provided only temporary relief, with potholes reappearing after repeated rainfall and heavy vehicular movement. They argue that the road has once again deteriorated, leaving motorists to face the same challenges that had earlier drawn public attention.
Road users believe a more durable solution is required instead of repeated patchwork repairs, particularly on a highway that experiences continuous movement of heavy commercial vehicles.
Commuters demand immediate action
Regular users of the highway have expressed disappointment over the delay in repairing the damaged stretch despite the inconvenience faced by thousands of commuters every day.
Motorists urged the National Highways Authority and other concerned agencies to undertake immediate repair work before the situation worsens further. They said timely restoration of the road would help reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and minimise the chances of accidents.
Many commuters also stressed the importance of regular monitoring and preventive maintenance to ensure potholes are repaired before they become a major hazard.
Gateway to Mangaluru needs lasting solution
The Kulur Bridge stretch serves as a crucial gateway to Mangaluru and is used by residents, tourists, commercial transport operators and emergency services throughout the day. Given its strategic importance, road users believe the highway deserves sustained maintenance rather than temporary repairs.
With the monsoon continuing across the coastal region, commuters fear that the potholes could expand further if immediate action is not taken. They have appealed to the authorities to prioritise the repairs, ensuring safer travel and smoother traffic movement for everyone using this key National Highway corridor.