Pics: Aditya Aithal

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, May 24: The stretch of the National Highway near Santhekatte, between Udupi and Kundapura, is becoming increasingly hazardous for commuters due to structural issues and unsafe debris.

The retention wall erected to support the highway near the Santhekatte underpass is reportedly in a deteriorating state. Continuous monsoon rains have led to gradual erosion, with mud and earth slipping away from the structure. Alarmingly, iron rods embedded within the wall have now become exposed and are dangerously jutting out onto the roadside, posing a significant hazard to both motorists and pedestrians.

Compounding the issue, large rocks that were removed during the initial highway construction and subsequently placed along the adjacent service road are now at risk of slipping due to the rain-soaked ground. The service road, frequently used by local traffic, has become slippery and unstable, raising serious concerns over the likelihood of vehicular accidents.

With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for the next three days, the risk of further erosion and a possible collapse of the retention wall has become a serious concern.

A noticeable gap between the retention wall and the adjacent service road raises fears that continuous heavy rainfall could lead to the wall giving way. Cracks have already appeared in parts of the service road, and if a heavy vehicle strays too close to the edge, there is a high risk of the road caving in. Additionally, waterlogging caused by clogged drainage is worsening the situation, leading to traffic disruptions and increasing the likelihood of accidents.

These issues have persisted since the underpass construction began, yet authorities have reportedly failed to implement precautionary measures, despite being aware of the potential hazards during the monsoon season in the region.

Immediate remedial actions must be taken before the situation worsens. Without timely intervention by the officials in charge, the risks could escalate further, especially as monsoon activity intensifies in the region.

With the early monsoon setting in, many other road construction sites along the NH-66 corridor and nearby major roads, including the Malpe–Adi Udupi road, Ambalpady embankment, and Indrali Railway Bridge construction, are expected to be similarly affected, posing serious risks to public safety.