Bhatkal: The long-pending four-laning of National Highway 66 (NH-66) in Bhatkal has remained incomplete for over 12 to 13 years, and with the monsoon now in full swing, the situation has worsened, turning the highway into a corridor of crisis for residents and commuters.
Every year, there is hope that the work will be completed before the onset of monsoon. But like always, the public is now forced to endure yet another rainy season amid half-finished roads and dangerous travel conditions.
The 1,622-km-long NH-66 begins in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, and connects to Panvel in Maharashtra via Mangaluru, Bhatkal, and Goa. Despite its importance as a key economic and transportation route—especially for coastal Karnataka—the Bhatkal stretch remains in a constant state of delay and neglect.
The impact on trade, tourism, and public mobility has been severe. Bhatkal, home to the globally renowned tourist destination Murdeshwar, relies heavily on NH-66 for connectivity with Kerala, Mangaluru, and Goa. Tourists heading to Gokarna and other coastal attractions also depend on this route.
More critically, the highway serves as the only lifeline for ambulances transporting patients from Bhatkal and nearby villages to hospitals in Udupi and Mangaluru. It is also the main artery for hundreds of trucks carrying goods, along with public and private buses filled with passengers.
NH-66 plays a vital role in connecting port areas in Bhatkal such as Mavinkurve, Tenginagundi, and Alvekodi—important hubs for the region’s fishing and marine industries. Yet, persistent delays and administrative failures have turned the highway into a daily ordeal for thousands.
Given its economic and social significance, the highway work should have been prioritized and completed long ago. Despite multiple review meetings and public appeals, progress has been negligible. Authorities continue to cite land acquisition hurdles, contractor inefficiency, lack of funds, and weather disruptions as reasons for the prolonged delay.
Adding to public frustration is the lack of transparency. Locals have not been kept informed about the project’s status or timeline. When concerns are raised, officials typically request public cooperation but offer no concrete solutions. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also failed to penalize the contractor, IRB Infrastructure, or enforce strict deadlines—allowing the delays to continue unchecked. With the monsoon now active, locals fear construction will remain suspended for another three to four months.
Another setback has been the frequent changes made to the original project blueprint, reportedly due to political and personal pressure. Notably, the proposed flyover at Shamsuddin Circle—strategically located in the heart of Bhatkal—was removed from the plan without any public consultation.
Similarly, delays in approving underpasses at Kaikini and Mood Bhatkal triggered widespread protests. While the central government eventually approved them, construction has yet to begin, pushing the timeline further back during peak rainfall.
A pressing concern is the old Venkatapur bridge, which has remained shut for several months due to its dilapidated condition. Until it is repaired, two-way traffic continues to be diverted onto a narrow new bridge designed for one-way movement—raising the risk of accidents and heavy congestion.
Additionally, the stretch between Tenginagundi Cross and Quality Hotel Cross has remained incomplete for the past two to three years. Open drains, potholes, and waterlogging have turned this section into a dangerous zone during heavy rains, yet officials appear indifferent.
The delay has disrupted mobility, weakened economic activity, and tarnished the image of Bhatkal town. With monsoon rains now lashing the region, fears are rising about flooding and traffic chaos—particularly near the vulnerable Shamsuddin Circle.
Speaking on the matter, Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya expressed deep dissatisfaction. “It’s been 13 years, and neither the National Highway Authority nor IRB has resolved the issues faced by the people. The only option left may be to protest at the toll gates and stop toll collection,” he said.