Mangaluru: Rainy season to delay overpass construction at KPT and Nanthoor junctions

Mangaluru: The construction of the much-needed Vehicular Over Pass (VOP) at KPT and Nanthoor junctions in the city has encountered another setback, with the onset of the rainy season likely to cause further delays.

A work order has already been issued for the construction of the VOP at KPT Junction at a cost of Rs 22 crores.  The initial plan was to commence with tree clearance and service road work before the monsoon season, followed by the overpass construction. However, despite progress being made in the project’s implementation processes, no actual work has commenced as yet, according to officials of the Highways Authority.

The KPT Junction, where National Highway-66 and International Airport Road intersect, experiences heavy vehicular traffic, posing a significant challenge for traffic management. Consequently, an alternative system for vehicle movement needs to be established before any construction work can be carried out.

Similarly, an overpass construction project has been proposed at Nanthoor Junction, which is notorious for its dangerous traffic conditions. This junction, where three national highways and a major city road converge, witnesses frequent accidents and severe disruptions to traffic flow. NHAI officials said that there are no land acquisition-related issues at Nanthoor. Despite this, the project has not yet commenced.

For years, there have been consistent demands from various stakeholders at various forums, including the general meeting MCC, KDP meeting, and highway department meetings, for the construction of flyovers or overpasses at KPT and Nanthoor junctions as a permanent solution to the traffic woes.

Traffic policemen have been deployed to manage traffic, and temporary traffic signal lights were installed at KPT Junction in April this year. However, these measures have proven insufficient in facilitating smooth traffic flow, highlighting the urgent need for permanent solutions such as the construction of overpasses.

The project director of the National Highways Authority in Mangaluru, Abdullah Javed Azmi, said that the projects will be started once the Monsoon season ends. Proposals for land acquisition and tree clearance have been sent, he added.