Motorists have harrowing time as vehicles pile up on the highway

The roadusers on NH-66 between Pumpwell and Ambika Road near Thokkottu on Saturday had a harrowing time throughout the day, as vehicles made a beeline to cross the stretch, thanks to the road block throughout the day following work on the Ullal bridge.

Traffic jam emerged as a major issue  for those who travel on the highway.  Former union minister Subramanian Swamy, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and MLA Mohiuddin Bava also tasted the traffic congestion on the stretch. Swamy was travelling to Kondevoor in Uppala when he was caught in the traffic jam at Jeppu. As he had a Z plus security cover, the commandoes eased the traffic congestion and facilitated the movement of vehicle. On the other hand, MP and MLA were caught for more than an hour.

Blame it on the road works, increase in the number of vehicles, poor traffic management by the police or violation of traffic rules by vehicle users, the travellers on the stretch curse the authorities daily. With the commencement of the repair work on old bridge across river Netravathi, the traffic congestion too has increased. Along with the work on the old bridge, the work on roads at Jeppinamogaru and Kallapu has also aggravated the situation. Traffic jam continued for several hours since Saturday morning and continued till night. A destination which could have been reached in 30 minutes took more than two to three hours due to the traffic jam.

The two-wheeler riders entering the road haphazardly aggravated the situation. Vehicles were seen stranded for a stretch between Thokkottu and Ambika Road and till Jeppinamogaru. Though police personnel from Mangalore rural police station and Morgan’s Gate tried their level best to ease the traffic congestion, they utterly failed in their effort. The railway and air passengers had a tough time in reaching railway stations and Airport.

Meanwhile, NHAI Contractor said that as the work on old bridge across river Netravathi is in progress, the vehicle users should extend their cooperation. “Traffic jams can be avoided if all drivers adhere to traffic rules. The work will be completed within seven days.”