Udupi: The long-pending Ambalpady flyover project in Udupi district has entered its final stage, with authorities aiming to open one section of the flyover for vehicular movement in the first week of June.
Kota Srinivas Poojary inspected the progress of the ongoing construction work along with officials from the national highways department and reviewed the status of the project, which has been under construction for the past one-and-a-half years.
The flyover is considered a major infrastructure project intended to reduce severe traffic congestion and frequent accidents at Ambalpady junction, one of the busiest stretches in Udupi district.
Project nearing completion stage
Speaking during the inspection visit, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary stated that the construction work has now reached its concluding phase and efforts are being made to complete the remaining works within the stipulated timeframe.
According to the MP, the flyover was planned primarily to address the growing traffic congestion at Ambalpady caused by increasing vehicular movement along the national highway corridor connecting major parts of coastal Karnataka.
He said the junction has witnessed recurring accidents and long traffic delays over the years due to heavy movement of passenger vehicles, buses and goods carriers passing through the stretch daily.
Authorities believe that once the flyover becomes operational, traffic flow in the area will improve considerably and congestion-related problems will be brought under control to a large extent.
One section to open in June
Although officials are attempting to complete the first phase of the flyover work by the end of May, the MP stated that certain technical issues have delayed the full completion of the structure.
As a result, one section of the flyover is expected to be opened for traffic in the first week of June to ease congestion for commuters and motorists using the route regularly.
Officials said finishing works, safety installations and technical inspections are currently underway before the partial opening of the flyover.
The phased opening is expected to provide immediate relief to daily commuters who have faced prolonged inconvenience due to ongoing construction activities and traffic diversions in the area.
Public pressure accelerated work
Kota Srinivas Poojary further stated that continuous pressure from the public, commuters and local organisations played a major role in speeding up the completion process.
Residents and motorists had repeatedly expressed frustration over delays in the project, citing traffic jams, dust pollution and difficulties faced during travel through the construction zone.
Local traders and transport operators had also urged authorities to expedite the work, especially considering the strategic importance of the route connecting Udupi with neighbouring districts.
The MP said authorities are now closely monitoring the remaining works to ensure that the project is completed without further delays.
Officials review progress on site
During the inspection, national highways department engineer Naveen and several other officials accompanied the MP and reviewed the ongoing construction activities at the site.
Officials reportedly discussed technical aspects related to the final phase of construction, including road alignment, safety barriers, drainage arrangements and traffic management plans before opening the flyover to the public.
The Ambalpady flyover project is expected to significantly improve travel convenience in Udupi city once fully operational, particularly during peak traffic hours and festival seasons when vehicle movement increases sharply.
Residents now hope that the long-awaited infrastructure project will finally bring lasting relief from congestion and improve road safety in the region.