Pics: Justin D'Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB)

Udupi, Dec 16: The very name of national highway of 169A between Udupi and Manipal has become unpleasant for commuters who use this stretch of road. On one side of the road there is mud that is put after digging pits. On the other hand are the vehicles that travel at breakneck speed. As the sun rises, the whole environment becomes dusty.

Due to unscientific ups and downs of the road, many motorists are facing trouble while driving on this stretch of the road. Every day minor accidents take place. If any vehicle breaks down, then the whole road gets affected with traffic jam as there is no service road.

As the road nears DC office, there is the issue of traffic congestion of vehicles approaching the DC office and the auto-rickshaw stand that is nearby, make the situation worse. Near Inox, due to the digging of road on both sides, it is difficult for people to commute.

There is a proposal of building one more railway bridge near Indrali on the highway. The NHAI is waiting for the approval of the railway department. The administration is saying that the work of the bridge will start as soon as the railway department gives the go ahead. As NHAI has removed the bus stops in order to carry out highway work, commuters have to wait for buses in the dusty environment.

Only if the administration takes step to sprinkle water at definite intervals throughout the day, the commuters using this road will have some relief. Traffic police are having a tough time to control the traffic standing under hostile conditions. Uday, an auto-rickshaw driver told Daijiworld that he also joins hands with the police when he does not have passengers.