Navayuga Udupi Tollway initiates clearance of shops near Talapady toll gate

Navayuga Udupi Tollway Private Limited has begun efforts to clear roadside shops near the Talapady toll gate, with a final deadline set for July 20. This action follows appeals from local residents and Talapady Grama Panchayat members to halt the operation. The toll plaza officials have warned of demolition for non-compliance.

The clearance is in accordance with a Supreme Court order from March 2024, mandating the removal of roadside shops from Kundapura to Talapady. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had issued initial notices to non-compliant vendors in March. Some vendors, anticipating enforcement, had sublet or sold their spaces.

“As per the Supreme Court order, shops within 60 to 90 feet of the highway must be vacated. After multiple notices, today marks the final deadline. We will proceed with demolitions if necessary,” stated Timmaiah, senior manager at Navayuga Udupi Tollway.

Local activist Siddique Talapady from Gadinadu Rakshana Vedike voiced concerns about the eviction process, especially for long-standing businesses. “Forceful eviction attempts have begun near Talapady plaza. We request leniency, particularly for long-standing businesses like a milk shop operating for 22 years,” he said.

Navayuga Udupi Tollway plans to upgrade infrastructure following the clearances, including converting street lights to LED and conducting service road and drainage works post-monsoon. Community concerns about fair implementation of the eviction order, especially for those on government land, have been raised.