"Nama Saipuna mutta la aapuji" Nanthoor Overpass: Another 10 years or a Pipe dream?
From frustration to hope: Nanthoor Overpass - A dream on the horizon
Mangaluru: Nanthoor, a bustling junction in Mangalore, has been facing a major challenge for years- traffic congestion. The construction of a flyover has been a long-standing demand of the locals, as it promises to solve the issue of congestion and reduce the number of fatalities caused by poor road conditions. However, the project has been mired in delays, leaving the residents frustrated and doubtful of its completion.
Over the past decade, the locals have been advocating for the construction of the flyover, but it has been plagued by various hurdles such as land acquisition, lack of funds, and bureaucratic red-tape. While the community continues to wait for the construction of the flyover, they fear that it might become a lost cause or may be delayed for another decade.
The situation has left the residents exasperated, with many expressing their discontent with the government's inaction. The locals believe that the flyover has become a necessity, and they deserve better infrastructure to facilitate their daily commute.
The frustration and disillusionment among the locals are palpable, with some even expressing the fear that the flyover will not be built even after their lifetime. The prolonged delay in the project has not only impacted the daily lives of the residents but has also raised questions about the government's commitment to improving the city's infrastructure.
One of the residents even lamented, "NammaSaipunamutta la appuji," meaning that the flyover won't be built even after they die.
You’re dicing with death if you take this stretch of the road
The intersection Mangalore has become infamous for the accidents that continue to plague it, despite the implementation of traffic management measures. The intersection has claimed the lives of numerous people, including Bharatanatyam dancer and singer Bhoomika in March 2023, newlyweds Samreen and Mohammed Sameer in 2018, and Besant College student Karthik Mallya in 2020. The list of victims goes on, and their shattered dreams serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing the issue.
Mangalore-based entrepreneur and choreographer Likhith Rai has been at the forefront of the fight for justice for those affected by the dangerous intersection. In August 2022, Rai staged a protest seeking justice for his friend Atish, who died in a road accident due to a pothole near Bikarnakatte. In an interview with Vartha Bharathi, Rai expressed his doubts about the construction of a flyover at the intersection, citing upcoming elections and bureaucratic red-tape as potential obstacles.
Rai stressed the importance of a flyover at the intersection, noting that it connects to many places and is a crucial solution to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce the number of fatalities. He also expressed his disappointment with people's apathy, stating that they only share stories on social media without taking concrete action. Rai believes that people should be more concerned about road conditions, infrastructure, and jobs and should question authorities when necessary to hold them accountable.
Despite facing criticism for his protest, Rai defended himself against allegations of political affiliations and publicity stunts, stating that those who lack the courage to speak up should not blame those who do. He explained that he suffered losses and faced threats, which made it easy for people to dismiss his protest without understanding the mental pressure he endured.
Are we waiting for another tragedy to happen? “Yeregavu ye kirikiri”
Navigating the KPT Junction-Nanthoor stretch of NH 66 is a daunting task for newcomers to Mangalore due to the heavy traffic congestion. Locals advise them to take alternative routes or brace themselves for higher fares from auto drivers. However, even the drivers have little faith in authorities' plans to construct a flyover.
During a conversation with auto operators at Nanthoor Rickshaw Park, they expressed doubts about the construction of a flyover, stating, "We don't believe that they (NHAI) will start constructing a flyover." The absence of proper crossing or U-turn facilities is another issue that auto operators face while commuting to nearby areas, leading to losses incurred.In frustration, they say "yeregavu ye Kirikiri," meaning "Who would take the trouble?"
The lack of a service lane on NH66 forces drivers to go all the way up to Pumpwell to take a U-turn, making it difficult for residents to commute. A resident sarcastically quipped, "If construction begins on the Nanthoor VOP, it will take ten years to complete, much like the Pumpwell flyover, and only serve as meme material."
Auto drivers cite heavy traffic, including tankers and large vehicles, as the primary reason for congestion at the junction. Vehicles entering NH 169 Bikarnakatte lack free left turns, which further worsens the situation. The situation becomes even worse between 3-5 pm daily, resulting in half-kilometer-long queues.
The frustration among locals is palpable, with some expressing their doubts and lack of trust in the authorities. They feel that it is only a matter of time before another tragedy happens at the junction before any concrete action is taken.
“Nanthoor and KPT junction’s will definitely get a overpass but, on ground constructions will start post Monsoon”- Lingegowda, NHAI Project Director
The long-awaited Nanthoor vehicular overpass in Mangalore is finally set to become a reality. According to Lingegowda, the Project Director of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Mangalore, all necessary arrangements for traffic diversions are being made prior to the commencement of ground work. He also stated that the construction of service lanes will be given priority, and the construction of the overpass will only begin post-monsoon.
Addressing the land acquisition disputes at both Nanthoor and KPT Junctions, Lingegowda confirmed that the project is underway and will be successfully implemented. He denied reports of an immediate construction of an overpass at KPT Junction, stating that the service lanes will be completed first and alternative arrangements made for smooth traffic flow before the overpass construction begins.
The Nanthoor and KPT Junction flyover project had been stalled due to disputes over land acquisition, causing the previous Project Director to drop plans for the Vehicular Overpass (VOP). However, Lingegowda assures the public that the disputes are being addressed, and the project is back on track.
Where is it getting wrong? Is a lack of willpower causing this project to be elusive?
Despite an announcement by Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kateel on March 23rd that bids had been received for the long-awaited Nanthoor Overpass project, progress seems to have stalled. The convergence of three National Highways without a flyover continues to cause significant traffic congestion. Despite Union Minister Nithin Gadkari's assurances in 2022, locals believe that a lack of willpower from both authorities and politicians has prevented the project's completion.
Traffic police currently resort to using hand signals during peak hours to manage traffic flow, but citizens and experts insist that a permanent solution, such as an underpass or flyover, is imperative. The absence of designated bus stops and private bus drivers driving aggressively, frequently stopping in the middle of the road to pick up passengers, cause daily traffic jams, and the incessant honking adds to the mental pressure on other drivers. This has led residents to demand prompt action from the authorities.
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Nearly 4,000 pilgrims set sail for Katchatheevu islet to participate in annual two-day festival
Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) (PTI): Nearly 4,000 Indian pilgrims on Friday set sail for the uninhabited Katchatheevu islet to participate in the annual two-day festival, which will officially commence at 4 pm at the St Antony’s Church, officials said.
The festival marks a significant moment of shared cultural and religious heritage between India and Sri Lanka.
The first batch of devotees was flagged off from the Rameswaram fishing harbour at approximately 6 am by Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon.
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According to official records, a total of 3,996 registered pilgrims -- comprising 3,033 men, 726 women, and 150 children -- are crossing the Palk Strait in a fleet of 118 boats, which includes 92 mechanised trawlers and 26 country boats.
The festival will officially commence with a traditional flag-hoisting ceremony. This will be followed by the 'Way of the Cross' procession and a late-night chariot festival, where the statue of the patron saint will be carried around the shrine by Sri Lankan Navy personnel, sources said.
Strict security measures are in place, with the Indian Coast Guard and Customs department conducting a three-tier verification process at the Rameswaram jetty. All pilgrims were required to produce their Aadhaar cards and a mandatory Police No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Authorities have strictly prohibited the carriage of plastic items, alcohol, and excessive jewellery.
According to official sources, all vessels are equipped with adequate life jackets and are being escorted by Coast Guard hovercrafts up to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
The festivities will reach their peak on Saturday morning with a Special High Mass conducted by the Bishops of Jaffna and Colombo in both Tamil and Sinhala. The event will conclude with the lowering of the flag, after which the Indian pilgrims will begin their return journey.
To facilitate the event, the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department has enforced a total fishing ban in the region until March 1, leaving over 1,000 local boats moored at the docks to ensure clear passage for the pilgrim fleet.
The islet was ceded to Sri Lanka by India by ways of two agreements in 1970s.
