Udupi: Large and dangerous potholes have developed on the road opposite the Udupi City Municipal Council’s commercial complex, on the stretch connecting Syndicate Circle on the national highway to DC Office Road, posing a serious risk to motorists and pedestrians.
The damaged stretch is among the busiest roads in Udupi and is used daily by government employees, students, elected representatives, officials and members of the public travelling to various government offices. With the monsoon intensifying, the potholes have filled with rainwater, making them difficult to spot and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Busy road witnesses frequent near-mishaps
Residents and commuters have expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the road, stating that the potholes have become a major hazard, particularly for two-wheeler riders.
Several complaints have reportedly been received about motorists losing control of their vehicles while attempting to avoid the craters. The situation becomes even more dangerous during the night and after rainfall, when the potholes remain submerged under water and are almost invisible to road users.
Frequent commuters have urged the authorities to take immediate action before a serious accident occurs.
Social worker highlights deteriorating condition
Speaking to Daijiworld, social worker Nityananda Olakadu criticised the condition of several roads in Udupi, especially the stretch leading to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
He said motorists travelling from Syndicate Circle towards the DC office could still manage to negotiate the damaged road, but the return journey had become particularly difficult because of the massive potholes.
According to him, the road has three to four large craters filled with rainwater, making travel both difficult and unsafe.
Olakadu pointed out that the route serves as a major link to Manipal, one of the busiest areas in the district, with more than a thousand vehicles reportedly using the stretch every day.
Demand for immediate repairs
Expressing disappointment over the lack of repairs, Olakadu noted that the potholes are located directly in front of the Udupi Municipal Commercial Building, a place regularly visited by government officials.
He questioned why the road had not been repaired despite senior officials and public representatives using the same stretch every day.
“If even the Deputy Commissioner’s office does not take responsibility for repairing such an important road, we will be compelled to stage a unique protest at the spot,” he said.
His remarks reflect the growing frustration among residents who believe that repeated complaints have failed to prompt timely action from the authorities.
Public dissatisfaction grows
Despite the strategic importance of the road and its heavy traffic, the damaged stretch continues to remain unattended, causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters every day.
The poor condition of the road has become a matter of public concern, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season when waterlogged potholes significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Residents have urged the concerned civic authorities and the Public Works Department to carry out immediate repairs to ensure the safety of motorists and restore smooth traffic movement.
With government offices, educational institutions and commercial establishments located along the route, commuters hope that the authorities will address the issue without further delay to prevent mishaps and improve road safety in the city.