Udupi: In light of growing public concern, Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary has issued a comprehensive statement detailing the status of the NH 169A development work between Malpe and Agumbe, addressing challenges, delays, and legal complications.
The response comes after a major protest in Parkala, where locals demanded improved road connectivity. Poojary also inspected the Indrali railway bridge, where concreting work is yet to begin.
Regarding the Adi-Udupi section, he noted that the project has been progressing for over a year, with Rs 24.86 crore in compensation already disbursed to 135 landowners. He shared that he had personally visited multiple sites from Karavali Junction to Malpe, ensuring land surveys and compensation reviews were expedited.
For landowners who haven’t submitted documents, legal steps are underway to deposit compensation via court and proceed with work. Delays in tree removal and utility relocation were acknowledged, but the Malpe–Karavali stretch is now moving forward steadily.
Addressing the Parkala controversy, he explained that road realignment near a high-risk curve faced legal stays. Accident records were presented in court, leading to the lifting of one stay, but another was imposed. He remains in contact with lawyers to resolve the matter.
On the Kallianpur underpass, legal restrictions on blasting delayed work, but alternate methods were used. The road is now open to traffic, and finishing touches are underway.
At the Indrali flyover, he emphasized his daily oversight despite public backlash. With girders now installed, concreting will begin shortly. He also criticized the use of children in protests, citing violations of child rights.