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Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Dec 11: As the preliminary work for the Ambalpady overpass progresses, there is growing public demand for a pillar-based design to connect Brahmagiri and Ambalpady. The proposed overpass is seen as a vital solution to tackle traffic congestion, reduce accidents, and enhance city connectivity.

The Ambalpady junction on NH-66, notorious for heavy traffic and frequent accidents, has been marked as a "black spot" by traffic authorities.

Former MP Shobha Karandlaje had previously appealed for an underpass to address these issues. A grant of Rs 24 crore has been sanctioned for the project, with the tender process completed. Construction is set to begin on December 16, with work expected to conclude within 1.5 years.

Marking for the project has been completed, and around 500 panels have been prepared. The overpass will stretch from the Mahindra showroom to Shamili Auditorium, modeled after the Karavali bypass but with key modifications. Despite this progress, the public is advocating for a pillar-based design over the elevator-style flyover.

Vishu Shetty Ambalpady, a social worker, stated, "There is no opposition to the construction of a flyover here. A scientifically designed flyover with pillars is the ideal solution to address heavy traffic and other issues. From the beginning, we have been advocating for such a design, as it would not only resolve various problems but also enhance the city's aesthetics without causing division. The construction should be systematic and completed within a short timeframe. The public fully supports the idea of the flyover, with the only demand being that it is built to last for generations."

Ramesh Kanchan, president of the Udupi Taluk Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, stated, "An elevator-style flyover at the Ambalpady junction is the solution to all the issues here. An elevator-style flyover must be constructed at the Ambalpady junction; if an overpass is built, it will divide Udupi and Ambalpady. For instance, in Karavali, the overpass construction has divided the two cities. However, an elevator-style flyover would not only address the problems but also enhance the city's aesthetics. People need to be made aware of this. Although a tender was approved for Rs 35 crore, the contractor reduced it to Rs 25 crore. How can they complete the project with such a reduced budget? The public must understand the feasibility of this project and advocate for it, and I will always support them in this fight."

Vehicle routes will be temporarily altered during the construction period. A 1-kilometer stretch of the National Highway will be closed, and traffic will be redirected to service roads.

Commuters traveling from Brahmagiri to Ambalpady will need to take a U-turn at Kinnimulki, while those traveling from Ambalpady to Udupi are advised to use the Karavali bypass road. Vehicles on the National Highway will be rerouted through the Karavali bypass service road towards Kinnimulki Swagatha Gopura before continuing toward Mangaluru. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already announced these diversions, and additional traffic police may be deployed to manage potential disruptions until the project is completed.

Venkatraman Bhat, a resident, remarked, "The overpass comes with both advantages and challenges for the public. While it will streamline traffic flow, it could also impact the businesses of local vendors. This area frequently witnesses accidents and traffic jams that often lead to heated arguments among commuters. Therefore, it is essential that the overpass is constructed with pillars to address these concerns effectively."

Local businessmen said, "Constructing the overpass with a pillar system would be beneficial. Authorities should also take into account the needs of local traders. We have no objections to the widening of the service road, as it will further aid in ensuring smooth traffic flow."

Prakash, an auto driver, said, "I have been working here for over 25 years, and accidents happen frequently. A flyover is necessary to address this issue. The heavy traffic makes it difficult for us to cross the road. While the flyover may pose challenges for some initially, people will adapt to the changes within a few months."

Another auto driver stated, "A flyover is the solution to all the problems here. We strongly advocate for constructing it with pillars. This design will not disrupt traffic during construction, and the widening of the service road will further improve traffic flow."