Mangaluru: Traffic movement on the Mangaluru–Moodbidri highway will be diverted for 30 days from February 12 to March 13 as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) takes up urgent repair works near Muchur Cross in the Bajpe–Edapadavu stretch following signs of road collapse and deep surface cracks.
According to officials, the damaged portion of the highway has shown structural stress due to continuous heavy vehicle movement. To prevent accidents and ensure commuter safety, repair and strengthening work will be carried out on a priority basis. In this connection, the Mangaluru Police Commissioner has issued a notification announcing temporary traffic diversions and alternative routes for different categories of vehicles.
Authorities have appealed to motorists to plan their journeys in advance and cooperate with traffic personnel during the repair period.
Road damage prompts urgent intervention
Officials said deep cracks and signs of possible road subsidence were recently observed near Muchur Cross. The stretch carries a significant volume of truck and bus traffic connecting Mangaluru with Moodbidri, Karkala and interior areas.
Engineering teams inspected the site and recommended immediate restoration work to avoid further deterioration and potential safety hazards. Based on this assessment, NHAI scheduled a 30-day repair programme, during which traffic flow on the affected section will be restricted.
Police said barricading, warning signage and traffic marshals will be deployed along diversion routes to guide motorists.
Diversion routes for trucks and heavy vehicles
Heavy vehicles travelling between Moodbidri and Mangaluru will be required to use longer diversion corridors during the repair period.
From Moodbidri to Mangaluru:
Lorries and other heavy vehicles must take a right turn at Vidyagiri Mulki Cross, proceed via Kinnigoli, turn right at Pakshikere Cross, and continue through Mulki Junction and Surathkal to reach Mangaluru.
From Mangaluru to Moodbidri:
Heavy vehicles heading towards Moodbidri must follow the same route in reverse — via Surathkal, Mulki, Pakshikere Cross, Kinnigoli and Vidyagiri Mulki Cross.
Routes for light motor vehicles
Police have announced separate diversion options for light motor vehicles (LMVs) to reduce congestion on the main heavy vehicle diversion corridor.
From Moodbidri to Mangaluru:
LMVs must turn right at Vidyagiri Mulki Cross and proceed through Kinnigoli–Murukaveri–Kati–Permude–Bajpe. Alternatively, they may turn left at Pakshikere Cross and travel via Haleyangadi and Surathkal towards Mangaluru.
From Mangaluru to Moodbidri:
Light vehicles travelling in the opposite direction must use the same routes in reverse, depending on convenience and traffic flow advisories.
Public buses and local traffic routes
Special routes have been designated for public transport buses and local light vehicles to maintain connectivity for interior areas without overloading highway diversion stretches.
Route buses and local LMVs from Moodbidri side should turn right at Daddi Cross and proceed via Pumar Padavu–Manjanakatte Cross–Arjunakodi–Ishwarakatte Cross. From there, they must turn right at Muchur Cross and continue towards Kaikamba–Gurupur and then onward to Mangaluru.
Traffic police said these routes were selected to balance load and ensure that essential public transport services continue with minimal disruption.
NH-66 route for Karkala-bound trucks
All trucks travelling from Mangaluru towards Moodbidri and Karkala have been instructed to use NH-66 instead of the affected stretch. They must proceed via Surathkal–Mulki–Padubidri and then move towards Karkala.
This measure is expected to significantly reduce heavy axle load on the damaged section under repair.
Public advisory and expected delays
Mangaluru police have cautioned that commuters may face delays and congestion, especially during peak hours, due to the diversions and increased traffic load on internal roads. Motorists are advised to follow signage, obey on-ground personnel, and avoid unnecessary travel through the affected corridor where possible.
Authorities said emergency services will be given priority passage and coordination mechanisms are in place to handle bottlenecks quickly.
Officials added that the repairs are aimed at long-term safety and durability of the highway, and public cooperation over the 30-day period will be crucial for timely completion of the work.