Ensure Smooth Traffic During Katpady Overpass Work: Udupi DC

Udupi, Dec. 16, 2026:
Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK on Monday directed officials to ensure smooth and safe movement of vehicles on alternative routes during the construction of a vehicular overpass at Katpady on National Highway-66.

Chairing a meeting at the DC’s office auditorium at Rajatadri in Manipal to review the road overbridge project at the Katapady junction, the Deputy Commissioner said that adequate arrangements must be made to facilitate uninterrupted traffic flow on diversion routes used by vehicles travelling on NH-66.

Though a notification has already been issued permitting vehicles to use alternative roads following the commencement of the overpass work, complaints have been received from elected representatives and local leaders about inconvenience to residents in rural areas due to the movement of heavy vehicles. The DC instructed officials to conduct field inspections and take corrective measures to ensure that the public is not inconvenienced.

Officials informed the meeting that heavy vehicles and trucks travelling from Shirva towards Udupi are currently being diverted via Moodubelle–Denduru Katte and Alevoor routes. However, these roads are narrow and some bridges along the stretch are reportedly weak. The Deputy Commissioner directed officials of the Public Works Department and the Panchayat Raj Engineering Department to inspect the roads and bridges and undertake strengthening, capacity enhancement and other necessary works wherever required.

Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said that confidence-building measures should have been undertaken with elected representatives of seven local gram panchayats before implementing traffic diversions. He pointed out that narrow roads are causing frequent traffic disruptions, especially when heavy vehicles and smaller vehicles cross simultaneously. He also stressed the need for road widening and repair of weak bridges and said he would take up the issue with the Public Works Minister to seek necessary funds.

Local gram panchayat representatives suggested that alternative routes should be planned closer to the stretch under construction to minimise hardship to residents in rural areas.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Abid Gadyal, Deputy Superintendent of Police Prabhu D.T., National Highways Authority of India Project Director Abdullah Mohammed Azmi, district-level officers, tahsildars, executive officers, engineers and others were present at the meeting.