Hazardous road conditions on NH 73 spark solo protest by Ujire hotel owner

The ongoing widening project of the Punjalkatte-Charmadi road on National Highway 73 is endangering lives, prompting a solo protest by a concerned hotel owner from Ujire. Disturbed by the frequent accidents involving bikers, the hotel owner sat in the middle of the road to draw attention to the issue.

The stretch of road from Ujire to Mundaje, particularly near Kashibettu beyond Beltangady and Madanthyar, has become perilous for two-wheeler riders who face accidents even with minor disturbances. Other vehicle users are also wary of this hazardous stretch. On Sunday, the muddy conditions on the highway in Ujire led to accidents involving two to three bikers.

Last week, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan inspected the road issues from Bisir Road to Charmadi and instructed the contractors to resolve the problems within a week. However, the work has been so poorly managed that the instructions seem to have been ignored.

Two days ago, the road near Kashibettu and other areas became waterlogged, creating confusion for drivers and resulting in traffic problems. The contractors were supposed to complete the work before the rainy season or at least conduct temporary asphalting.

Due to the lack of proper drainage, waterlogging during the rainy season has created hazardous conditions for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and cars. Immediate action is required to address these issues, demanded Praveen Hallimane, the Ujire hotel owner, during his protest. He has warned of continuous protests if appropriate measures are not taken promptly.