Mangaluru: Nearly two years after the poor condition of the Valencia-Gorigudda road was highlighted, the stretch continues to remain in disrepair, causing inconvenience to residents and motorists and raising concerns over road safety.
Potholes worsen during monsoon
The road connecting Valencia and Gorigudda, which also provides access to the NHAI network, is riddled with potholes at several points.
Despite repeated complaints and earlier repair attempts, residents say the road has continued to deteriorate and that a permanent solution is yet to be implemented.
The situation becomes particularly dangerous during the monsoon. Rainwater accumulates in the potholes, making it difficult for motorists to judge their depth. What may appear to be a shallow water-filled patch can conceal a deep pothole, posing a serious risk, particularly to two-wheeler riders.
Residents claim that several accidents have occurred along the stretch, with motorists sustaining injuries after hitting potholes or losing control while trying to avoid them.
“During the rains, we cannot make out where the potholes are. Their depth cannot be judged because they are filled with water. Riders suddenly encounter them and can lose their balance,” a resident said.
Auto services affected
The deteriorating road has also affected local transport services.
According to another resident, several auto-rickshaw drivers are reluctant to travel towards the Valencia area because of the condition of the road.
“Many auto drivers do not agree to come to the Valencia area because of the road condition. This creates additional difficulty for residents, particularly those who depend on autos for their daily travel,” the resident said.
The road is an important connecting route for residents of Valencia, Gorigudda and surrounding areas. Students travelling to educational institutions, patients and their attendants visiting hospitals and clinics, employees, shopkeepers and daily commuters regularly use the stretch.
People travelling to nearby religious places also depend on the road for access.
Alternative route also deteriorating
The stretch also serves as an alternative route for motorists seeking to avoid traffic congestion in the Pumpwell and Kankanady areas.
However, commuters are now being forced to negotiate potholes, uneven surfaces and waterlogged portions, making the alternative route increasingly difficult to use.
Shopkeepers along the road have also expressed frustration over the prolonged condition of the stretch.
Repeated excavation for various works, followed by incomplete or inadequate restoration, has reportedly added to the problems faced by businesses and residents.
Problem reported nearly two years ago
The poor condition of the road is not a recent concern.
In December 2024, the deteriorating Valencia-Gorigudda stretch had already been highlighted, with potholes reported at several locations.
At the time, residents had sought urgent intervention and repairs. However, nearly two years later, the problem continues to persist.
Residents say previous repair attempts have failed to offer a lasting solution. They have pointed to repeated excavation and subsequent deterioration of the road surface as some of the reasons for the continuing problems.
Residents demand durable solution
During periods of heavy rainfall, waterlogged potholes become particularly difficult to identify, increasing the possibility of accidents.
Residents fear that continued neglect could result in more injuries and further damage to vehicles.
They have urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the entire stretch and undertake durable repairs instead of repeatedly relying on temporary measures.
Residents have also sought clarity regarding the department or agency responsible for maintaining the road and urged the concerned authority to take responsibility for its upkeep.
With the road continuing to deteriorate almost two years after the issue was first highlighted, residents are once again appealing to the authorities for immediate action.
They want the entire stretch to be properly repaired and maintained to ensure safer travel for motorists, pedestrians, public transport users and local residents.