Mangaluru: The deteriorating condition of the Thokkottu–Mangaluru stretch of the Netravati bridge has become a major concern for thousands of daily commuters, with motorists raising alarm over potholes, damaged road surfaces and the increasing risk of accidents. Frequent road users have urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to immediately repair the stretch, warning that further delays could compromise the safety of motorists.
The Netravati bridge is one of the busiest road links in Dakshina Kannada, connecting Thokkottu with Mangaluru city and carrying a heavy volume of buses, private vehicles, commercial trucks and two-wheelers every day. However, the worsening condition of the carriageway has made commuting difficult and hazardous, especially during peak traffic hours.
Potholes create hazardous driving conditions
Commuters say the bridge stretch is riddled with potholes and damaged patches that have steadily worsened over time.
Motorists travelling along the route are often forced to reduce speed suddenly, manoeuvre around damaged sections of the road and drive with extreme caution to avoid accidents. Two-wheeler riders, in particular, face greater risks as uneven road surfaces can lead to skidding or loss of control.
Drivers also point out that navigating around potholes frequently causes vehicles to change lanes unexpectedly, increasing the possibility of collisions, especially during periods of heavy traffic.
With the road witnessing constant movement of heavy trucks, buses and passenger vehicles, commuters believe the damaged surface is no longer merely an inconvenience but a significant road safety issue requiring immediate intervention.
Traffic congestion worsens during peak hours
Apart from safety concerns, the damaged stretch has also affected traffic flow.
Road users say vehicles slow down considerably while crossing the bridge to negotiate potholes, leading to bottlenecks during morning and evening rush hours. The situation becomes particularly difficult when heavy vehicles occupy multiple lanes while attempting to avoid damaged portions of the road.
Commuters have observed that traffic queues often extend towards both Thokkottu and Mangaluru, resulting in longer travel times for office-goers, students and public transport users.
Many believe that prompt repair work would not only improve safety but also help restore smoother traffic movement along this vital corridor.
Lack of CCTV surveillance raises concerns
Motorists have also highlighted the absence of adequate CCTV surveillance along the bridge stretch.
According to regular commuters, the lack of proper monitoring infrastructure could hamper effective traffic management and make it more difficult for authorities to investigate road accidents or other incidents occurring on the bridge.
Residents feel that installing additional surveillance cameras would strengthen enforcement, improve incident response and enhance overall commuter safety on one of the district’s busiest roads.
Vital road link for Dakshina Kannada
The Netravati bridge serves as a crucial transportation corridor connecting southern parts of Dakshina Kannada with Mangaluru city. Thousands of commuters rely on the bridge every day for work, education, business and freight movement.
Given the strategic importance of the route, residents say maintaining the road in good condition should be a priority for the authorities. Any prolonged deterioration not only inconveniences motorists but also affects the efficient movement of goods and public transport.
Frequent travellers have stressed that preventive maintenance and timely repairs are essential to avoid further damage and reduce the likelihood of serious accidents.
Commuters urge NHAI to act swiftly
Residents and daily commuters have appealed to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to undertake immediate repair work on the damaged stretch before the monsoon further worsens road conditions.
They have urged the authorities to fill potholes, restore the damaged carriageway and ensure regular maintenance so that motorists can travel safely without the constant risk posed by uneven road surfaces.
Commuters also called for improved road monitoring through CCTV surveillance and timely inspections to address future maintenance issues before they become major hazards.
With thousands of vehicles depending on the Thokkottu–Mangaluru corridor every day, residents believe prompt action is essential to ensure safer, smoother and more efficient travel on one of the region’s most important road links.