Mangaluru: The National Highways Authority has decided to construct underpasses near the famous Kudupu Temple and Mangala Jyothi near Vamanjoor as part of the four-lane road project on National Highway 169, spanning from Bikarnakatte to Sanoor. This decision addresses ongoing discussions about the road’s structure in these locations.

Construction to Minimize Inconvenience

Former Mayor and local corporator Bhaskar K. spoke to Udyavani Sudina and confirmed the decision to construct underpasses near Kudupu Temple and Mangala Jyothi for public convenience. He said that the construction must ensure minimal inconvenience to locals and should be planned to avoid future issues. Requests for smooth execution have been made to the concerned highway authorities, he added.

Work at Mangala Jyothi Likely After Sankranti

Corporator Sangeetha R. Nayak told Sudina that work at Mangala Jyothi would precede the Kudupu Temple underpass construction. Due to the area’s uneven terrain, highway authorities have planned to begin construction here first. Post the Sankranti festival, work on underpasses and overpasses at Mangala Jyothi is expected to commence.

Service Roads on Both Sides at Kudupu

At Kudupu Temple, the highway will be elevated, necessitating an underpass to connect the temple to the main road. The underpass will be constructed near the old route close to the temple. Service roads are planned on both sides of the highway to facilitate connections to internal roads in the area.

Demand for Wider Underpass at Kudupu

The temple authorities and locals had initially pointed out the need for an underpass near Kudupu Temple. Initially planned for two-wheelers only, the demand for a wider underpass considering the large number of devotees visiting the temple has now been taken into account by the authorities.

Site Inspection Completed

A site inspection for the underpass construction near Kudupu Temple and Mangala Jyothi has been completed, said Abdullah Javed Azmi, Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India.

Overpass for Service Roads at Mangala Jyothi

The highway near Mangala Jyothi, connecting Vamanjoor and Kudupu, will pass via an underpass, while an overpass is planned for service roads to ensure connectivity to Pachchanadi. The road near Vamanjoor Church will start as an underpass, continue to Mangala Jyothi, and then align with the usual highway level. Reports suggest the road here will be 7 meters below ground level.

Decision After Local Consultation

In response to local queries and challenges regarding the highway construction, a team from the NHAI, acting on the directions of MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, recently visited the site. The inspection team provided detailed information to the public regarding the plans. Prominent local leaders, including Bhaskar K. and Sangeetha R. Nayak, participated in the discussions and clarified doubts about the project’s implementation.

Translated version of Kannada article by Dinesh Ira