Uttara Kannada highways turning deadly; 726 killed in three years
Bhatkal: National highways passing through Uttara Kannada district, once known for their scenic coastal stretches, are increasingly becoming sites of frequent and fatal road accidents. Poor road conditions, unscientific design, delayed construction works and heavy vehicular movement have made travel across the district highly risky.
Official data from the district police shows that 726 people were killed and 5,124 others suffered serious injuries in road accidents over the last three years in Uttara Kannada. The figures indicate a steady rise in accidents, with national highways accounting for a large share of the fatalities.
As reported by Vartha Bharati, police records show that 233 road accidents were reported in 2023, in which 248 people lost their lives. The number of accidents increased to 264 in 2024. In 2025 so far, 192 accidents have already been reported, resulting in 214 deaths. Police sources point to rain-filled potholes, incomplete road stretches and unsafe diversions as key reasons behind many of these accidents.
The situation is particularly serious along National Highway-66 in the Bhatkal region. A stretch of just about 600 metres has witnessed six deaths within a single month. The victims included students and young adults. Local residents say this stretch highlights the unscientific execution of the highway project and the absence of proper safety planning.
Several areas along the highway, including Navayath Colony, the Murdeshwar–Bastimakki stretch and areas near the old Venkattapur bridge, have emerged as accident-prone zones. Residents say the closure of the old bridge and the introduction of two-way traffic on the new bridge have further increased the risk of accidents.
People living along the highway have blamed delayed construction, incomplete service roads and slow progress in widening works for the rising number of deaths. The four-laning project, which was originally expected to be completed within three years, remains incomplete even after more than ten years.
With highways passing through densely populated towns and residential areas, pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and local commuters are forced to travel under constant fear. Many stretches lack service roads, warning signs and pedestrian crossings. During the monsoon, waterlogging on several sections worsens the situation and adds to the danger.
Residents have demanded immediate safety measures, including clear warning signage at accident-prone spots, working streetlights, pedestrian pathways and scientifically planned traffic management systems. They have urged highway authorities to focus on public safety rather than only on completing construction works.
The continued collection of toll at the Shirur toll gate, despite unfinished and unsafe highway stretches, has further angered local residents. They have warned that unless authorities and elected representatives take urgent steps to address road safety concerns, accidents on the district’s highways will continue to claim more lives.
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BJP's 'preparation' for Punjab polls has begun: Kejriwal on ED raids against AAP MP Mittal
New Delhi (PTI): As the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids against AAP leader Ashok Kumar Mittal, the party's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the BJP has started its "preparations" for the upcoming poll in Punjab by using central agencies.
The ED on Wednesday conducted raids at the business and residential premises of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal in Punjab and Haryana as part of a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), officials said.
In a post on X in Hindi, Kejriwal said, "Modi ji has started preparations for the elections in Punjab. But, the people of Punjab will not tolerate this... they would give a befitting reply to the BJP."
About 10 locations in Jalandhar and Gurugram are being covered under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). This includes the premises of the Phagwara-based Lovely Professional University (LPU) and two linked educational institutions named Tetr College of Business and Masters Union College of Business located in Gurugram, ED officials said.
Mittal was recently appointed the deputy leader of the Aam Aadmi Party in the Rajya Sabha, replacing MP Raghav Chadha. The 61-year-old AAP leader is also the Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara.
Reacting to the development, AAP leaders accused the BJP of misusing central agencies ahead of elections.
There was no immediate response from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also strongly condemned the raids, saying the BJP has begun its "preparations" for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state, currently ruled by the AAP.
AAP leader Anurag Dhanda said the action indicates the BJP has begun its poll preparations in Punjab, and questioned whether the party can contest elections without relying on central agencies like the ED and the CBI.
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia alleged that central agencies are deployed ahead of elections in states, followed by political visits by BJP leaders.
He also criticised the Centre, accusing it of functioning in an authoritarian manner.
Officials, however, said the searches are part of an ongoing FEMA investigation and are being conducted at various premises linked to Mittal's business entities.
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