Pics: Nithin Pereira

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)

Udupi, May 29: The Karavali–Malpe Road in Udupi has turned into a nightmare for commuters, with large potholes and extensive surface damage causing serious inconvenience. This key road, which connects schools, beaches, fish ports, factories, and industrial units, is now riddled with gaping potholes and frequent waterlogging.

Two-wheeler riders are particularly vulnerable, with many reported falls due to deep potholes hidden beneath stagnant water. With the onset of the monsoon, the situation has worsened as overflowing drainage water collects on the road, making it nearly impassable.

The condition is especially alarming near schools, where waterlogging has blocked access to the premises. With the new academic year set to begin on May 29, concerns have grown over the deplorable condition of the Malpe main road, posing serious risks to students and the public.

Pedestrians are also facing challenges, as there is no safe walkway with both sides of the road submerged. Continuous traffic and the absence of a proper drainage system have made daily commuting increasingly difficult and hazardous.

Thousands of vehicles—both heavy and light—along with two-wheelers use this route every day. Shockingly, the number of large potholes now far exceeds that of intact road patches. Commuting from Malpe to the Karavali Bypass has become a frustrating ordeal.

Local residents and commuters are urging the authorities to act immediately. There is a growing demand for urgent road repairs and a long-term drainage solution, as the road condition continues to deteriorate rapidly.