Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (NP)

Udupi, Oct 17: The long-delayed second phase of the Santhekatte vehicular underpass is picking up speed, with an increase in workers and machinery. Despite persistent traffic and adverse weather conditions, the construction work is progressing rapidly, aiming to meet the revised deadline of early 2025 for the dual carriageway.

In the first phase, a two-lane road was completed and opened to vehicular traffic, but potholes quickly emerged, making travel difficult. Even as workers attempt daily repairs, constant traffic ensures that the problems reappear within hours. The situation is further complicated by ongoing rain, which has slowed down some progress.

Following site visits from local MPs and district officials who held several rounds of meetings with the National Highway Authority and the contractor the pace of work has significantly increased. The contractor, under pressure to complete the project, has ramped up efforts to ensure the second phase is finished by the end of this year, with the road expected to be fully operational by early 2025.

The construction of the second two-lane road, part of the underpass, is in full swing. Workers are currently focusing on demolishing topsoil and asphalt, while the building of the underpass barrier is progressing at an impressive rate. Roughly 100 meters of the barrier wall, stretching from the Brahmavar side, has been completed, with 25 more meters to go.

The key reasons for the surge in progress are the substantial increase in the workforce and machinery deployed at the site. Where previously only 25-30 workers were involved, now over 60 are working daily. Additionally, the number of JCBs in operation has risen from just one to three or four, with the latest machinery being used to accelerate tasks such as road demolition and barrier construction.

The rock-breaking work, a major obstacle to progress, has also gained momentum. Due to the presence of large rocks, breaking them with smaller, quieter machines during the day had been slowing down the project. However, the district administration recently granted permission for larger equipment to be used, allowing workers to tackle the larger rocks more efficiently. According to officials, only one major rock remains to be broken.

Despite the ongoing issues with potholes, heavy traffic, and rain, the Santhekatte underpass construction has made notable strides in recent weeks. With the increased deployment of resources, officials are confident that the remaining phases of the project will be completed on schedule, finally providing a smoother and more efficient route for commuters in the Udupi area.