Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 25: Road digging has begun at various locations across the city for drinking water, underground drainage and other infrastructure works, causing traffic congestion and severe inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians.

Digging up roads for one project or another has become a recurring problem in the city. In several places, roads have not been restored even months after the completion of works. Locals allege that pits dug earlier for pipeline projects on concrete roads remain unattended to this day.

Works are currently underway on K S Rao Road, K R R Road, Kadri Road and several other locations. Excavation is being carried out across the middle of roads and along one side, with dug-up soil piled on the carriageway. This has left pedestrians with no proper space to walk, forcing them to use the road amid moving traffic. As a result, traffic congestion is being reported, especially during morning and evening peak hours.

In the Maroli area as well, drinking water pipeline installation is underway along one side of the highway. Vehicles parked at the work site have further obstructed traffic movement on the highway. Regular commuters complain that soil excavated from pits is dumped directly on the road, worsening the situation.

Dust generated at the work sites has added to the problem, affecting nearby shops and hotels. Business owners say they are facing losses due to reduced footfall, and in some cases, establishments have been forced to temporarily shut down.

Residents allege that while authorities show enthusiasm in digging up roads, there is little urgency in restoring them. In several areas, even months after the completion of works, concrete roads have not been relaid. Instead, good-quality concrete roads are damaged and replaced with interlocking blocks, which tend to sink due to continuous vehicular movement and rainfall.

At places such as Lalbagh and near the Bijai KSRTC bus stand, concrete roads dug up for underground drainage and drinking water works were restored using interlocks, which have already sunk below the original road level, the public alleged.

Citizens have urged the authorities to carry out works in a systematic manner, promptly restore roads to their original condition, and ensure safe movement for both vehicles and pedestrians.