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Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Nov 15: The long-delayed construction work on the Adi Udupi–Malpe Road has gained sudden momentum following the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Udupi on November 28. After a year of slow progress, the project is now being taken up on a fast track, leading to mixed reactions from the public.

For nearly a year, the concrete road project had been progressing slowly, with authorities frequently citing pending land acquisition and other administrative hurdles as reasons for the delay. However, soon after the announcement of the prime minister’s visit, the pace of construction has multiplied, raising several questions about the urgency and timing of the work.

Residents have raised concerns over the manner in which the work is being executed. They point out that the construction could have been carried out in well-planned phases without disrupting vehicular movement. Instead, the authorities have now opted for a complete road closure until the concrete work is finished, causing major disruption to the daily lives of commuters.

The Udupi–Malpe stretch is one of the most important links in the district, connecting the city to the popular Malpe Beach, Malpe Port, and several surrounding localities. The route witnesses heavy traffic throughout the day, especially from tourists, fishermen, students, and workers travelling to and from the port area. With the sudden closure, thousands of commuters are being forced to take long detours, resulting in delays and widespread frustration.

Many citizens have expressed displeasure over what they call negligence and poor planning by the authorities. Several have sarcastically remarked that if the Prime Minister visited Udupi every year, most infrastructure projects would at least be completed on time.

Others point out that authorities seem to swing into action only when a high-profile visit is scheduled, exposing a lack of long-term vision for the district’s development.

The sudden initiation of concrete works, previously delayed over land-related issues, has further fuelled discontent. The local administration failed to prioritise the project when it mattered, and is now rushing through the work only to ensure that the road appears presentable during the prime minister’s visit. If senior leaders need to come every time for development to happen, then it clearly shows the inefficiency of local elected representatives.

Tourists arriving in Udupi are among the worst affected. Many visiting Malpe Beach drive straight to the Karavali Bypass, unaware of the road closure, only to be redirected at the last moment and instructed to take a considerably longer route to reach Malpe Beach.

As the concrete work is expected to continue until November 30, commuters and tourists are urged to take the alternative routes provided. Heavy vehicles heading from Malpe towards Mangaluru and Kundapur are to take the Malpe–Balrama Circle–Thottam–Gujjarabettu–Hoode–Nejar–Kalyanapura route to reach Santhekatte and continue on the national highway.

Heavy vehicles coming towards Malpe are directed to take Ashirvad Circle–Lakshmi Nagar–Kodavoor. Light vehicles to and from Malpe can either use the Kalmady Circle–Ambalpadi route and reach the national highway, or travel via Kalmady–Kidiyoor–Kadekar–Kannarpady and continue on the national highway. Light vehicles heading from Malpe to Mangaluru can also take the Padukere–Thottam–Balayipade route.