NHAI Initiates Comprehensive Safety Measures on NH-66 Stretch
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced a significant safety enhancement project along the National Highway 66 (NH-66) stretch from Kundapur to Talapady. This initiative targets all identified black spots with the implementation of service roads and foot overbridges (FoBs) to drastically reduce accidents and improve overall road safety.
Targeted Approach to Accident-Prone Zones
Officials have confirmed that the NHAI has pinpointed 13.2 kilometers of black spots on this critical highway section where measures will be prioritized. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has granted approval for constructing service roads on both sides of the highway and installing FoBs at strategic pedestrian locations.
"The focus is squarely on enhancing road safety through these infrastructural upgrades," stated NHAI site engineer Muhammed Nasir Hussain in an interview with TOI.
Detailed Project Report and Infrastructure Plans
An agency has been selected to prepare a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) aimed at improving traffic flow along the Kundapur-Talapady corridor. The DPR will include proposals for constructing service roads in areas where such infrastructure is currently lacking. Additionally, it will outline plans for new flyovers and vehicular underpasses where deemed necessary.
In total, the NHAI is tasked with constructing approximately 52 kilometers of service roads along the highway. Specific locations and lengths for these service roads include:
- Koteshwara: 0.83 km
- Beejadi to Thekkatte: 3.5 km
- Saligrama: 1.02 km
- Ambagilu: 1 km
- Balaipade: 0.325 km
- Balaipade to Udyavara: 1.645 km
- Bada Yermal: 2 km
- Hejmady: 0.75 km
- Mulki: 0.5 km
- Padupanambur: 0.31 km
- Haleyangadi: 0.55 km
- Beeri: 0.7 km
Pedestrian Safety Through Foot Overbridges
To address pedestrian-related accidents, the NHAI plans to construct six foot overbridges at carefully identified locations along NH-66. These FoBs will be developed at:
- Brahmavar near Mahesh Hospital
- Nittur in Udupi
- Thenka Yermal
- Bappanadu, near Bappanadu Temple in Mulki
- Mukka Junction
- Gorigudda near Fisheries College in Mangaluru
Addressing Traffic Congestion and Local Impact
Further plans include constructing a vehicular overpass and developing service roads at Katapady to alleviate traffic congestion. The absence of dedicated service roads has severely impacted local residents from Kundapur to Talapady. Limited access points often force drivers to take lengthy detours for short-distance travel.
"The lack of proper service roads encourages motorists to violate one-way traffic rules, leading to increased accidents and traffic congestion," explained an official. This comprehensive project aims to rectify these issues, providing safer and more efficient travel for all highway users.
