Udupi: Addressing a long-pending demand of commuters, one side of the underpass at Katapady on National Highway 66 has been opened for vehicular movement, bringing partial relief to residents and daily travellers.
The junction, considered a crucial point on the busy Udupi–Mangaluru stretch, has long been a source of traffic congestion and safety concerns, with locals repeatedly urging authorities to construct an underpass to ease movement and reduce accidents.
First phase opened for vehicles
The first phase of the project was opened on Friday, April 10, in the presence of Kota Srinivas Poojary and Gurme Suresh Shetty, who visited the site to review the progress of the construction work.
With the opening of one side of the underpass, vehicles travelling from Mangaluru towards Udupi are now allowed to pass through the newly developed stretch. This marks a significant step towards easing congestion at the junction, even as work continues on the remaining portion.
Long-standing public demand
For several years, residents and commuters had been demanding an underpass at Katapady, citing frequent traffic bottlenecks and accidents at the junction. The absence of proper infrastructure had resulted in daily inconvenience, particularly during peak hours.
The project was eventually taken up following sustained public pressure and the growing need to improve road safety and traffic flow along National Highway 66, one of the busiest coastal corridors in Karnataka.
Work progressing towards completion
Authorities said that construction work on the remaining section of the underpass is progressing at a fast pace. Efforts are being made to complete the entire project before the onset of the monsoon, considering the challenges posed by heavy rains in the region.
Meanwhile, due to ongoing construction activity, traffic diversions remain in place, causing inconvenience to commuters who are required to take alternative routes. However, officials believe that the partial opening will significantly reduce travel delays.
Relief for commuters
The commencement of one-way traffic through the underpass has brought much-needed relief to daily commuters, especially those travelling between Udupi and Mangaluru for work, education and business.
Once fully completed, the underpass is expected to streamline traffic movement, improve safety and enhance connectivity along the highway.
Conclusion
While the Katapady underpass is not yet fully operational, the opening of one side marks meaningful progress in addressing a critical infrastructure gap. With the remaining work expected to be completed soon, commuters can look forward to smoother and safer travel along this key route.