Brahmavar: Residents of Brahmavar have intensified their long-standing demand for the construction of a multi-lane flyover from SMS Junction to Dharmavara Auditorium, citing worsening traffic congestion, repeated accidents and severe inconvenience to commuters along the busy national highway stretch.
Locals allege that the road section covering SMS Junction, Akashvani Junction and the Dharmavara Auditorium area has become a major accident-prone “black spot” in Udupi district, with frequent mishaps, traffic bottlenecks and delays affecting daily life.
Citizens, activists, transport workers and traders have now urged authorities to prioritise the project and begin immediate planning before more serious accidents occur.
MP says DPR process to begin soon
Speaking about the issue, Udupi MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said the matter has already been taken up with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
According to the MP, the NHAI is expected to send a technical team to conduct a detailed assessment and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed flyover project.
“We have requested the National Highways Authority of India, and they will be sending a team to prepare a DPR. Not only Brahmavar but several other important places in Udupi district will also be reviewed. Based on the report, we will seek immediate sanction from the central government and begin the work,” he said.
Residents welcomed the assurance but stressed that the process must move quickly as the traffic situation in Brahmavar continues to worsen.
Locals describe stretch as major black spot
Social activist Alwyn Andrade said residents have been staging protests for years demanding a permanent solution to the increasing number of accidents near Akashvani Junction and surrounding areas.
According to him, Brahmavar has become one of the most accident-prone locations in the district due to the convergence of heavy highway traffic, sharp turns and inadequate road infrastructure.
“We have held many protests demanding a flyover because Brahmavar has become a black spot. Akashvani Junction, Barkur Junction and SMS College Junction witness repeated accidents. A flyover is the only permanent solution,” he said.
He further clarified that residents are specifically demanding a pillar-based flyover similar to the structure at Kalladka instead of an embankment-style flyover such as the one at Ambalpady.
According to activists, a pillar-supported structure would allow sufficient space underneath for parking, local movement and emergency access while reducing congestion on the main carriageway.
Rickshaw drivers and commuters face daily hardship
Krishna Poojary, president of the Akashvani Rickshaw Stand, said traffic problems continue to persist despite improvements made in other parts of the district such as Katapady and Santhekatte.
He said the Akashvani-Brahmavar stretch experiences severe congestion every day, especially during weekends and holiday seasons when tourist and passenger vehicle movement increases significantly.
“Vehicles remain stuck for more than two hours during peak periods. Rickshaws cannot move freely, and heavy vehicles struggle to negotiate turns. We have raised this issue several times before the authorities, but no concrete action has been taken,” he alleged.
He urged the district administration and police authorities to expedite the flyover proposal and prevent further loss of lives on the highway.
Residents cite impact on emergency services
Local businessman Vittal, who runs a shop near Akashvani Junction, said accidents and traffic jams have become routine in the area.
According to him, local residents often assist accident victims and help clear traffic because emergency response becomes difficult during congestion.
“New drivers especially struggle to understand the road because of the many turns and merging points. During holidays, traffic becomes unmanageable and accidents occur regularly,” he said.
Another resident, Gopal, highlighted the difficulties faced by ambulances and emergency vehicles.
“Even ambulances get stuck in traffic here. Ministers travel in zero traffic and may not fully understand the daily problems faced by the public. At least a temporary solution such as an underpass should be initiated immediately,” he said.
Demand for immediate action grows
Residents have strongly demanded the construction of a long, multi-lane pillar-based flyover that can permanently address traffic congestion and improve road safety in Brahmavar.
They argued that the increasing volume of vehicles on the national highway, combined with rapid urban growth and tourism movement, has made the existing road infrastructure inadequate.
Citizens also pointed out that neighbouring towns have already benefited from infrastructure upgrades while Brahmavar continues to face mounting traffic pressure without any major intervention.
With public pressure growing steadily, residents now hope the DPR process announced by the MP will move swiftly and lead to the early sanction and execution of the long-pending flyover project.