Udupi: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed additional grade-separated structures at key junctions between Kundapura and Byndoor on National Highway 66 as part of efforts to improve traffic flow and road safety along the coastal Karnataka corridor.
The proposal comes amid the wider expansion of NH 66 between Kerala and Byndoor. While several sections of the highway in northern Kerala are being upgraded to six lanes, authorities are also examining infrastructure requirements in Udupi district to handle increasing traffic volumes and reduce congestion at important junctions.
Four junctions identified for grade separation
The latest proposal covers four important junctions in Kundapura taluk — Tallur, Hemmadi, Trasi and Yadthare. These locations serve as connecting points between NH 66 and roads leading towards nearby towns, tourist destinations and other parts of Udupi district.
At Tallur, the road connects towards Neralakatte, Vandse and Hattiangadi, while Hemmadi provides an important route towards Kollur. Trasi connects NH 66 with Gangolli, and Yadthare serves as a junction for the Byndoor-Kollur road.
The four junctions have experienced traffic congestion and safety concerns because local traffic has to cross or merge with the main highway traffic. NHAI’s proposed grade-separated arrangements are intended to segregate these movements and allow through traffic on NH 66 to continue with fewer interruptions.
Kundapura-Byndoor stretch to get infrastructure upgrades
The Kundapura-Byndoor section is currently a four-lane highway, but traffic volumes have been increasing with greater movement of passenger vehicles, buses, tourist traffic and commercial vehicles.
According to the latest report, the section between Kundapura and Byndoor is being considered for further infrastructure improvements, including grade-separated structures and bridge-related works. The widening programme is part of the larger development of the Kanniyakumari-Panvel NH 66 corridor.
The highway authority has also proposed newly built parallel bridges, including structures such as the Arate bridge, alongside improvements at important junctions.
The objective is to provide smoother movement for vehicles travelling along NH 66 while allowing local traffic to access connecting roads without creating bottlenecks on the main carriageway.
Service roads and safety measures also under study
The grade-separation proposal is part of a broader road-safety exercise along NH 66 in coastal Karnataka.
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for road-safety improvement measures on the Hejamadi-Kerala Border section of NH 66. According to information provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the DPR covers service roads, flyovers, underpasses and other safety measures based on traffic density, roadside development, road-safety requirements, technical feasibility and availability of land.
The consultancy agency appointed for the DPR began its work in May 2026. The proposed service-road component also covers the Kundapura-Hejamadi stretch.
The broader exercise is expected to help identify locations where additional access control, pedestrian facilities, service roads and grade-separated crossings may be required.
Kerala highway expansion adds to traffic planning
The developments in Udupi are taking place alongside major highway expansion work in Kerala.
The Kerala portion of NH 66, particularly north of Kasaragod, is being developed as a six-lane, signal-free corridor. Several stretches have progressed towards completion, with some sections expected to be ready by the end of 2026.
The Talapady-Chengala section was opened earlier in 2026, while construction on the Chengala-Nileshwaram and Nileshwaram-Taliparamba stretches has progressed towards completion. The development is expected to improve connectivity between Kerala and coastal Karnataka.
As the Kerala sections are upgraded, traffic movement towards Udupi, Kundapura and Byndoor is also expected to remain an important consideration for highway planners.
Demand for Koteshwar bypass junction upgrade
The latest proposal has also renewed attention on the Koteshwar bypass junction in Kundapura.
Local stakeholders have pointed out that the junction has become increasingly busy following the development of a flyover in Kundapura. Koteshwar is an important connecting point because of its proximity to tourism destinations, the railway station and routes linking several districts.
Businessman B. Udayakumar Shetty of Koteshwar has called for the Koteshwar bypass to be included among the grade-separated junctions proposed along the corridor.
However, NHAI engineer Javed Azmi of the Mangaluru division said that while the Talapady-Byndoor NH 66 widening project is progressing, no proposal has so far been received for developing the Koteshwar bypass as a grade-separated junction, according to the report.
Focus on smoother coastal connectivity
The proposed grade separators at Tallur, Hemmadi, Trasi and Yadthare are aimed at addressing the traffic and safety challenges created by the interaction of highway and local traffic.
With NH 66 undergoing extensive upgrades across Kerala and Karnataka, infrastructure at major junctions will play an important role in maintaining uninterrupted movement on the coastal corridor.
The proposed improvements, along with service roads, underpasses and other safety measures under consideration, are expected to shape the next phase of NH 66 development in Udupi district.