Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said that the Union govt has approved and sanctioned funds for key infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring smoother traffic movement and reducing accidents at the busy highway junctions of Baikampady and Kulur.The ministry of road transport and highways has sanctioned over Rs 11.6 crore for the construction of underpasses at these two major junctions on National Highway-66, to facilitate smooth vehicular movement.The Baikampady Junction, which had turned into a black spot, had witnessed repeated demands from the public and motorists for safer and smoother traffic movement. Addressing this concern and facilitating vehicles heading towards the Baikampady industrial area, the ministry has approved the construction of a light vehicular underpass (LVUP) at a cost of Rs 7.1 crore.With the construction of the underpass, vehicles can safely access the industrial area through the underpass instead of taking dangerous turns on the highway. It will also help ensure smoother movement of vehicles towards Udupi along the highway near Baikampady.The MP said that approval has also been granted for the construction of an underpass near the KIOCL Junction and Kulur bridge on NH-66 at an estimated cost of Rs 4.5 crore. The project is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and ensure smooth movement of vehicles heading towards Tannirbhavi Beach and the MSEZ area.Capt. Chowta said, “Our government is committed to ensuring highway safety and smooth traffic movement in Dakshina Kannada district. Earlier, roads in the NMPT region were under the National Highways Logistics Management Limited, and due to the absence of a designated agency and lack of funds, highway development faced major challenges . Through sustained efforts, we successfully resolved technical hurdles and facilitated the complete transfer of port-area roads to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). As a result, the underpass near Kulur Bridge will now become a reality.”Similarly, approval for an underpass at the accident-prone Baikampady Junction will help ensure smoother travel for commuters between Mangaluru and Udupi. It will also greatly benefit those travelling to the Baikampady industrial area and MSEZ. All efforts will be made to complete both underpass projects within the stipulated timeline, Chowta said.
