Road repair in full swing prior to Prez visit

The City Municipal Council has initiated measures to repair pothole-infested roads in town, ahead of President Ramnath Kovind’s visit.

The president will attend the felicitation of Pejawar seer Vishwesha Theertha Swami. The roads that the President has to use are being repaired by the Municipality.

The road from the Bannanje Circle to the Brahmagiri Circle is in a deplorable condition. In fact, several two-wheeler riders have toppled on the stretch due to the potholes.

“In spite of appeals by the citizens and various organisations to repair the stretch, the CMC had not taken any initiated to do so. The repair in the name of the president’s visit has only helped us,” admitted Ganapathi Bhat.

“Gravel-mixed dust is being used to asphalt the stretch. Weeds have grown on both sides of the road and are being cleared now,” said Suresh Poojary, concurring that the president’s visit is proving a godsend for them with regard to repair of an important road.

The weeds that have grown on the divider of the national highway from Malpe to Molakalmooru have been cleared. All the roads leading to the Sri Krishna Mutt too have been repaired, he added.

Even the inspection bungalow, where the president will stay for a few minutes, has been painted. The room in the bungalow where Kovind will be resting, too has been provided with facilities.

Speaking to DH, Anand Killolikar, CMC commissioner, admitted that the main roads were covered in potholes. “The road repair work has already been taken up in a few wards of the Municipality. In the backdrop of the president’s visit, the road that he will be using has been given priority,” he admitted further.

“Patchwork is being taken up at Sharada Nagara, Beedanagudde, Sri Krishna Mutt Road, Bannanje and Shiridibeedi ward, along with some other areas. Cleanliness work too is being taken up in the town. Tender has been floated for the road repair work in some wards,” said the commissioner.

Udupi police have diverted the traffic on a few stretches in Udupi town from 7 am to 4 pm on December 27.

Vehicles from Malpe and Kalmadi will have to pass through Kalmadi Junction, Kidiyooru Junction, Ambalpady Welcome Arch and Jodukatte to enter Udupi.

Vehicles from Kundapur, Brahmavar and Santhekatte should use the Ambagilu, Rasika Bar Junction, Doddanagudde, Manojigudde, Law College Junction, SMK Junction and Beedanagudde route.

Vehicles from Karkala, Hiriyadka and Manipal should pass through SKM Junction, Beedanagudde, Mission Compound and Udupi.

Vehicles travelling from Udupi to Malpe should pass through Jodukatte, Kinnimulki, Ambalpady, Kidiyooru and Kalmadi.