Pics by: Adithya Aithal

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, July 30: Commuters on NH 66 heading towards Kundapur from Katapady are being greeted by large potholes and traffic congestion at the under-construction Ambalpady flyover.

A major pothole on the service road is posing a serious risk to commuters. The Ambalpady junction, a key intersection on NH 66, is currently undergoing flyover construction to ease traffic congestion towards Udupi city. While the project has entered an accelerated phase, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) appears to have completely neglected maintenance of the adjacent service road.

Thousands of vehicles, including heavy lorries, use this route daily. The pothole, which spans the full width of the service road, is proving hazardous for all types of vehicles—cars, two-wheelers, and trucks alike.

With the main road partially blocked due to flyover work, the service road has become a bottleneck. Vehicles coming from Mangaluru and Ambalpady are forced to share the same stretch, further worsening the traffic jam.

On Wednesday, July 30, traffic personnel from the Udupi traffic police station attempted to fill the pothole to provide temporary relief to road users. While their efforts brought some respite, the danger persists.

Commuters have urged the NHAI to take immediate and permanent measures to address the issue.