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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
TN polls: Vijay announces Rs 2,500 monthly assistance, 8 gm gold for women
Chennai (PTI): TVK chief Vijay on Thursday unveiled sweeping assurances in the party manifesto ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu that included Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women below 60 years, 8 gm gold for marriage and six free cooking gas cylinders a year, per family.
The actor-turned-politician also assured a quality silk saree in addition to gold for indigent brides and interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh for women-run SHGs. He assured corruption-free good governance if voted to power in his maiden electoral fight.
The manifesto also laid importance on education. To prevent school dropouts, mothers or guardians of children studying in government and state-aided schools will receive Rs 15,000 annually.
Vijay promised 100 special residential schools named after iconic leader K Kamaraj, credited with revolutionising education in the state, and higher education loans of up to Rs 20 lakh. The TVK founder also assured AI Ministry, AI University and AI City.
The manifesto placed a strong emphasis on agrarian welfare, too.
The party promised a full waiver of agricultural cooperative crop loans for farmers owning less than five acres of land, while those holding more than five acres will receive a 50 per cent waiver. Additionally, the party promised a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 3,500 per quintal for paddy and Rs 4,500 per tonne for sugarcane.
Addressing youth unemployment, Vijay pledged to create five lakh new government jobs and offer as many stipendiary internships. Unemployed graduates will be provided a monthly aid of up to Rs 4,000. For government employees, the party assured consideration of the Old Pension Scheme and the regularisation of contract workers, including nurses.
On the health front, he promised a drug-free Tamil Nadu. Vijay also committed to modernising hospitals, providing free annual health checkups, and introducing a Rs 25 lakh family health insurance scheme.
The manifesto also included a Rs 3,000 monthly pension for the elderly and the differently-abled, 200 units of free power, patta (land deed) regularisation, and 100 per cent piped drinking water supply for all households.
Some of the policy intereventions promised by TVK include a legal guarantee to provide essential government services like community certificates, and land pattas, within a strictly specified timeframe.
Vijay also promised doorstep delivery of governance by implementing a system to deliver services, such as ration supplies, directly to the people. He also assured that ease of doing business will be paramount to his government and promised a strict guarantee that business licences will be issued within 21 days.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and outcome known on May 4. Vijay is facing his maiden electoral battle, billing it as a direct fight between the ruling DMK and his TVK.
