Mangaluru
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has decided to hold large protests to address problems related to National Highway 66 in Mangaluru and to put pressure on the government. The decision was made due to the slow progress in resolving key issues along the highway.
The party highlighted that the old bridge at Kulur is in poor condition, and its load-bearing capacity is insufficient. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has suggested a ban on vehicle movement across the bridge, but a new bridge is still under construction and progressing very slowly.
In addition, a flyover proposed to reduce traffic congestion at Nanthoor Junction has not yet been started, despite being considered essential to ease traffic.
During a zonal conference organized by the Mangaluru North Committee, a resolution was passed urging the government to address the traffic issues on the stretch of highway between Nanthoor and Surathkal. The poor condition of the road between Nanthoor and Mangaluru was noted as a major inconvenience for commuters, with potholes making travel difficult and no maintenance being carried out for several years.
On the Kulur bridge, the slow pace of construction on the new bridge was also criticized. It was noted that despite the dangers posed by the old bridge, vehicles continue to use it. The party called for the NHAI to complete the new bridge quickly and the flyover at Nanthoor Junction to be built within a set timeframe to avoid further delays.
