Udupi/Mangaluru: A delegation led by Members of Parliament (MPs) Kota Srinivas Poojary, and Brijesh Chowta met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in Delhi to discuss and seek solutions for the persistent issues plaguing National Highway 66 (NH-66) in the coastal districts of Karnataka.

The MPs highlighted design flaws in NH-66, which have been causing significant inconvenience to commuters. Key problem areas discussed included the Nantoor Junction in Mangaluru, the Ambalapady flyover in Udupi, and the underpass near the Akashavani turn at Brahmavar.

The delegation urged the formation of a high-level committee of expert engineers to conduct a comprehensive study and recommend the reconstruction of poorly designed sections of the highway.

Minister’s Directions

Responding to the concerns, Minister Nitin Gadkari directed officials to inspect accident-prone zones and areas facing heavy traffic congestion. He instructed them to prepare detailed video reports and submit their findings promptly.

The delegation also brought up issues related to road repairs at Brahmavara, Kota, and Kundapura. Gadkari assured them of his attention to these areas and issued directives to expedite work on the Kallianpur-Santhekatte stretch and the Indrali flyover in Manipal.

Gadkari promised funding from the Central Road Fund (CRF) for the development of roads in Karnataka, including the coastal regions.

The delegation included Bengaluru Rural MP D.K. Suresh, Kolar MP Muniswamy, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, businessman G. Shankar, and BJP leader Suresh Nayak, among others.