Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 25: Huge potholes have taken shape near the Indrali railway bridge on national highway 169 that passes through Udupi and Manipal. Vehicles find it hard to negotiate this stretch.

Until recently, there were objections for the railway bridge but they have since been cleared. But work is going on at a snail's pace. Pedestrians using the road have to be extremely careful when moving through this bumpy terrain.

Now, another bridge is being constructed next to the old bridge. Therefore, those visiting Udupi and Manipal have to pass through the old bridge. Because of heavy rainfall and vehicular movement, the asphalt of the road has peeled off and potholes have been created.

The highway has been damaged beyond recognition. The potholes look like dirty ponds with slushy water. The rainfall during the last nearly two weeks has made it hard to find the road.

The concerned could have at least underaken path work and the lockdownk period was ideal for this job. But the PWD department has turned its eyes away from the problem. Udupi district deputy commissioner, MLA, and many people's representatives pass through this road.

No one knows the actual number of people who would have fallen down here and somehow managed to reach their homes. As no steps have been taken to repair the road, people riding vehicels at night are sure to get involved with an accident if they are not very careful.

The locals do not foresee any early construction of the new bridge. Therefore they have requested the concerned department to fill the potholes and make it easier for the road users to travel on this road.