by Prakash Samaga
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (PS/CN)
Mangalore, Oct 11: A motorcycle ride along the stretch of National Highway (NH) 17 between Pumpwell and Thokkottu in Dakshina Kannada can be very torturous since the road is filled with potholes.
The shoddy state of the road has made commuting over it a misery. One is forced to inhale dust every time a vehicle passes by.
The patchwork done on the National Highway from Pumpwell to Thokkottu in April-May has not made any difference as the road has developed massive potholes on every inch.
The potholes are posing a threat to motorists, especially those travelling on two-wheelers. The vehicles move slowly along this stretch resulting in traffic blocks during peak hours. Many a times, buses fail to keep up their schedule inconveniencing passengers, especially those travelling to and from interior spots in the city.
Blame was placed upon the iron ore laden lorries for the poor condition of NH 48 and NH 17 between Karwar and Mangalore. However, no trucks are plying on this stretch now but still it remains in a pathetic condition.
There is no doubt that this is indeed due to poor quality of work and lack of maintenance. Apathy of the concerned department towards this issue may soon lead to public protests in the imminent future.