Udupi: Once considered a crucial link between Manipal and Ambalgil, the Perampalli Road has today deteriorated into a dangerous stretch, battered by deep potholes, waterlogging, and uneven surfaces. The condition of the road, particularly near Bharatiya Ahara Nigama, has left commuters frustrated and fearful, with residents calling for urgent intervention by the authorities.
Heavy rains worsen fragile surface
Recent spells of continuous rainfall have aggravated the already fragile condition of the road. Temporary patchwork using wet mix was attempted by the authorities, but the rain quickly washed it away. The result is a stretch riddled with open craters, many of them concealed under pools of muddy water.
Two-wheeler riders are particularly at risk. “It’s impossible to tell how deep the potholes are until it’s too late. Every ride feels like a risk,” said a commuter navigating the battered stretch during peak hours.
Ambulances and traffic delays
Beyond individual discomfort, the damaged road has slowed down traffic flow considerably. Given that the Perampalli Road serves as a connector between Manipal and other vital areas, ambulances frequently use this route. Locals fear that the poor condition could delay emergency medical response.
Narrow road and heavy vehicle damage
The problem is worsened by the narrowness of the road and the constant movement of heavy vehicles. The surface has eroded in multiple sections, leaving behind sharp ridges, loose gravel, and uneven terrain. In certain stretches, displaced road material has gathered in lumps, forcing drivers to brake or swerve abruptly — a situation that increases the risk of skids and accidents.
Authorities respond to public anger
With growing frustration among residents, the Udupi City Municipal Council has assured corrective measures. Prabhakar Poojary, president of the council, acknowledged the severity of the problem and confirmed that the road falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (PWD).
“We have directed the PWD to initiate repair work and ensure smoother traffic flow at the earliest,” Poojary said. He further admitted that road-widening and maintenance plans were delayed due to administrative hurdles and the early onset of monsoon, which disrupted scheduled works.
Rs 20 lakh allocated for repair
To address the crisis, the council has divided the work into four packages covering 35 wards, with an allocation of ₹20 lakh — ₹5 lakh per package. Poojary explained that major potholes will be filled using cold tar, a process that requires at least one dry day. “Now that the rains have reduced, repairs will begin soon. In the meantime, wet mix has been used for temporary patching to reduce accident risk,” he said.
Residents await permanent solution
Despite these assurances, commuters say the ground reality remains grim. Daily travel on Perampalli Road continues to be treacherous, with two-wheeler riders, office-goers, and patients enduring delays and discomfort.
Residents are demanding that the PWD move beyond temporary patchwork and take up long-term solutions, including widening, proper drainage, and resurfacing. For now, however, they remain left to navigate what many describe as “a muddy obstacle course” on a road once considered a lifeline.