Pics: Kishore Peraje

Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Sept 2: A dangerously cratered service road near the Brahmakootlu Toll Plaza on National Highway 75 has triggered widespread anger among residents and commuters, who say the stretch resembles a lunar surface more than a functional road.

Located near B C Road, the service road — meant to provide toll-free access for local traffic — has deteriorated into a hazardous route, riddled with massive potholes and deep trenches. The uneven terrain has caused repeated damage to vehicles and raised serious safety concerns.

“What was once an alternative to avoid tolls has now become a daily nightmare,” said a local motorist. “We’d rather pay the toll than risk driving over this death trap.”

The connecting ramp from the service road to the highway is especially treacherous, with potholes nearly a foot deep. Light vehicles often scrape their undercarriage or get stuck—particularly during peak traffic hours or after rainfall. “It feels like you're climbing a hill with your wheels sinking into holes,” another frustrated driver said.

Despite multiple complaints from the public, no action has been taken. Residents accuse the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) of ignoring the road's condition, and some speculate this neglect may be intentional—to discourage toll avoidance by making the service road unusable.

“If that’s the case, it’s deeply unfair. Why should locals suffer or be forced to pay tolls when the law provides for service roads?” questioned a resident shopkeeper.

The situation has become so dire that many locals now prefer using the toll route, fearing costly repairs or accidents if they continue using the service road. However, this raises concerns about affordability and accessibility for daily commuters.

“Not everyone can afford to pay toll fees every day. For us locals, the service road is a necessity, not a luxury,” said another vehicle owner.

With monsoon rains having eased, residents are now demanding immediate intervention. They have urged the Dakshina Kannada district administration to direct NHAI to take up urgent repairs and provide a permanent solution. Locals are calling for more than just patchwork—they want complete resurfacing, better drainage, and lasting infrastructure.

“This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety,” one resident emphasised. “People could lose control, suffer injuries, or worse. It's unacceptable that we have to risk our lives and vehicles just to avoid paying toll fees.”

As things stand, commuters are left with a grim choice: pay the toll or brave a road that looks more like a crater-ridden moonscape than public infrastructure. With public anger mounting, residents are demanding swift action—before the road claims more than just shock absorbers.