"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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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
