Udupi: With construction of a vehicle overpass underway at Katapady Junction on National Highway 66, Udupi deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K has directed officials to ensure smooth and safe movement of vehicles by providing proper and well-maintained alternative routes for commuters using the busy highway.

She was speaking while presiding over a review meeting on the progress and impact of the overpass construction work at Katapady Junction. The meeting was held at the District Commissioner’s office conference hall at Rajathadri in Manipal on December 15.

Traffic diversion already in place

The deputy commissioner said that since construction work at the Katapady junction has already begun, a formal notification has been issued to divert vehicular traffic through alternative routes. At present, vehicles are being routed through these notified roads to facilitate uninterrupted construction on NH-66.

However, she noted that the district administration has received multiple complaints from elected representatives of local bodies and community leaders regarding inconvenience caused to residents, particularly due to the diversion of heavy vehicles through rural roads.

Complaints over heavy vehicle movement

Officials informed the meeting that heavy vehicles and trucks travelling from Shirva towards Udupi are currently being diverted via the Moodubelle–Denduru Katte road and the Alevoor route. These roads are relatively narrow, and some of the minor bridges along these stretches are in poor condition.

As a result, safety-related concerns have been raised by local residents, including difficulties in two-way traffic movement, risk to pedestrians, and potential damage to weak bridges. The issue has caused considerable inconvenience to people living in villages along the diversion routes.

Directions for field inspection and repairs

Taking serious note of the complaints, DC Swaroopa T K instructed officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Panchayat Raj Engineering Department (PRED) to immediately conduct field inspections of the alternative routes.

She directed them to assess the condition of roads and bridges being used for traffic diversion and to take necessary corrective measures. “If required, works such as strengthening of bridges, repair of damaged stretches and improvement of road infrastructure should be taken up without delay to ensure public safety,” she said.

The deputy commissioner also emphasised that traffic management plans must balance the needs of infrastructure development with the daily convenience of residents.

Vinay Kumar Sorake raises concerns

Former minister and KPCC State Campaign Committee president Vinay Kumar Sorake, who attended the meeting, expressed concern over the manner in which alternative traffic arrangements were implemented.

He said that before diverting traffic due to the overpass construction at Katapady on NH-66, the confidence of elected representatives from at least seven local grama panchayats should have been taken. He pointed out that some of the diversion roads are so narrow that only one heavy vehicle can pass at a time.

“The arrival of light vehicles from the opposite direction is causing frequent traffic disruptions and posing safety risks,” Sorake said. He stressed the urgent need for road widening at critical points and for the repair and strengthening of weak bridges.

Sorake also assured that he would take up the matter with the public works minister and seek the release of necessary funds to carry out the required infrastructure improvements.

Panchayat representatives seek nearby alternatives

Representatives of local grama panchayats echoed similar concerns, stating that the diversion of vehicles through interior rural roads has severely affected the smooth movement of villagers. They suggested that alternative routes should be arranged as close as possible to the construction stretch on NH-66 to minimise inconvenience to rural residents.

They also highlighted issues such as increased traffic load, noise, dust and safety risks for schoolchildren and elderly residents in villages now witnessing heavy vehicle movement.

Officials present at the meeting

Additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal, deputy superintendent of police Prabhu D T, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project director Abdullah Mohammed Azmi, along with representatives of local grama panchayats, district-level officers, taluk tahsildars, executive officers and engineers attended the meeting.

Balancing development and public convenience

Concluding the meeting, DC Swaroopa T K reiterated that while infrastructure projects like the Katapady overpass are essential for long-term traffic management and road safety, immediate steps must be taken to ensure that the public is not put to undue hardship during the construction phase.

She assured that the district administration would closely monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments to traffic arrangements based on field reports and public feedback.