Mangaluru
Concerns have been raised by an action committee regarding the construction of a toll plaza near Sooralpady Masjid on the Mangaluru-Moodbidri-Karkala National Highway-169, located 17 km from Nanthoor. The committee has expressed dissatisfaction with the identification of the toll plaza’s location, calling it unscientific and irregular.
The Action Committee against Surathkal Toll Gate visited the site and noted that only 50 percent of the highway upgrade work, which started seven to eight years ago, has been completed. The stretch between Nanthoor and Vamanjoor remains incomplete, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to the public. Additionally, a hillock near Kettikal has been cut dangerously, posing risks to the area. Residents of Kettikal have already vacated their homes due to safety concerns.
It was also pointed out that the ongoing construction of a flyover near Kaikamba is threatening a nearby market. The toll plaza at Sooralpady is located 36 km from the Talapady tollgate, 45 km from the Hejamadi tollgate on NH-66, and 35 km from the Brahmarakotlu tollgate on NH-75. This violates the rules regarding the distance required between toll gates.
Further objections have been raised about the toll plaza’s proximity to a masjid, wedding hall, and schools, which has led to public discontent. Several social activists and leaders were present to voice their concerns during the site visit.
