Daijiworld Media Network - Brahmavar (TP)
Brahmavar, Apr 29: The Brahmavar Flyover Agitation Committee, along with like-minded associations and concerned citizens, staged a protest in Brahmavar on Monday, April 29, demanding the immediate construction of a service road from Doopadakatte to Uppinkote in Brahmavar.
The protest was led by Alwyn Andrade, a core committee member Brahmavar Flyover Agitation Committee, who stated that despite the district commissioner visiting the site and assuring action, the protest was not withdrawn. “Promises were made, but we need concrete action, not just assurances,” he said.
Fr David Crasta, addressing the gathering, expressed deep concern over the delay, said, “Four months ago, the toll plaza official Thimmappa assured us that service roads would be done within seven months, but no real work has begun. A few token efforts were made just to pacify us. Over 6,000 students cross this stretch daily, they are the future of our country, yet we fail to ensure their safety. Already, 222 lives have been lost here. This protest is not just for us, but for our taluk and the coming generations. The service road must be completed before the monsoon, and our agitation will continue until it is done.”
Birthi Rajesh Shetty, President of the Brahmavar Vyavasaya Society, shared his anguish, “Just a month ago, a young life was lost on this very road — his parents are likely still grieving, but the authorities cannot understand that pain. They had promised to build the service road within a month, and now, after a month, they are merely inspecting the site. When our rights are denied, it becomes our responsibility to fight for them. It’s hard to tell whether we live in a democracy or under colonial rule. For the past two days, they’ve been dumping debris just to appease us — had they done this earlier, it might have saved lives. Instead, they waited for a better price. We’d gladly salute them if any real work was done. Our only aim is to get service roads for our city and protect the lives of our children.”
Shyam Sundar Nairi, president of the National Highway Agitation Committee, Sasthana, warned of intensified protests and said, “If the authorities fail to construct the service road within 15 days, we will be left with no choice but to convert a portion of the main highway into a service road ourselves. If they won’t act, we will take matters into our own hands.”
Shamraj Birthi also shared his personal tragedy and said, “My own wife was a victim of an accident on this road. In every police meeting, I’ve requested deployment of officers during peak hours. Accidents are also caused by Mumbai-bound buses that halt dangerously on the highway. Public cooperation is equally important, unfortunately, people truly understand the pain only when tragedy strikes their own family.”
Vasanth Giliyar, core member, Brahmavar Flyover Agitation Committee, warned of stronger actions in the future, said, “Today’s protest was peaceful and organized, but if our demands are ignored, we will launch more intense and aggressive protests. When I spoke to the project director, he responded rudely, but let me remind him, you may not get transferred in 15 days. If the service road isn’t built, we will come to your doorstep. When authorities show no respect for MPs or officials, they’ll be forced to respect the power of the people.
The protest witnessed active participation from office bearers, members of various committees, residents, and concerned citizens.