Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, July 21: Roads across Udupi city have deteriorated to alarming levels, causing severe inconvenience and posing safety hazards for commuters, especially two-wheeler riders. Almost every major stretch is riddled with deep potholes, turning daily travel into an ordeal.
Continuous rainfall over the past few weeks has worsened the situation, as waterlogged potholes make it difficult for motorists to judge their depth, increasing the risk of accidents. Two-wheeler riders are often seen navigating cautiously to avoid skidding or damaging their vehicles, resulting in slow-moving traffic and frequent jams, especially during peak hours.
The road near Swagatha Gopura in Kinnimulki has completely worn off. With embankment work ongoing at Ambalpady, vehicles heading towards Udupi are being diverted through Kinnimulki. However, the diverted stretch is in a pathetic condition, marred by large potholes and uneven surfaces caused by relentless rain and heavy vehicle movement.
The main entrance to Udupi city, a vital route for business, tourism, and daily commuters, has become a black mark on the city’s image. Temporary patchwork repairs have been washed away in the rain, prompting urgent calls for quality asphalting and full restoration of city roads.
At Jodukatte, the road connecting the District Hospital and TMA Pai Hospital has also deteriorated. Hundreds of commuters, including ambulances, use this route daily. A two-wheeler rider recently sustained serious injuries after falling into a deep pothole. Though asphalt repair was undertaken following the incident, it has eroded again due to rain, raising serious concerns about the quality of road works.
The road near the Udupi Everyday Market is in a severely damaged condition and has remained neglected despite being heavily used by thousands of commuters daily. No permanent measures have been taken so far, making it a risky stretch for motorists.
The free left turn at Kalsanka Junction, in the heart of the city, has completely broken down. On weekends, traffic diversions are enforced to reduce congestion. As per the diversion plan, Kalsanka Junction remains closed, with vehicles heading towards Manipal diverted via Udupi City Stop, and those travelling towards Udupi diverted at Kadiyal. Vehicles from Gudibail heading to Udupi or Manipal must use the deteriorated free left turn, leading to heavy traffic jams during weekends.
Speaking on the matter, social worker Nithyanand Volakad said, “Almost all roads under the Udupi City Municipality are filled with potholes. It hasn’t even been six months since they were asphalted, yet the roads are already damaged. We can still see the old tar, but not the new one. Even concrete roads are developing potholes, making it extremely difficult for commuters, especially at night. The commissioner, president, and officials use these same roads but continue to ignore the issue. All 32 ward councillors must raise this with the CMC and demand immediate action, or we will be forced to protest. Road work used to be of 100% quality earlier. Now it feels like a 60-40 split – only 40% is done properly, the rest is lost to commissions. Officials must be present at work sites to ensure transparency and quality, and public money should not be misused.”
City Municipal Commissioner Mahantesh Hangaragi responded, “We have received complaints from the public and councillors regarding the pothole issue. Once the rains subside, necessary repair work will be taken up to ensure public convenience.”
Several roads across the city and district, including stretches along the National Highway and in Brahmagiri, Ajjerkad, and Beedingudde, are badly damaged. With the monsoon showing no signs of letting up, residents are urging the Udupi City Municipality and concerned officials to act before any major accidents occur.