Bhatkal's NH-66 project remains incomplete as traffic, waterlogging worsen

Bhatkal: The four-laning work on National Highway 66 through the main parts of Bhatkal has been going on for months after remaining stalled for several years, but there are still no clear signs of the project being completed soon. Traffic congestion at key junctions, including Shamshuddin Circle, the KSRTC bus stand and the junction near the Taluk Panchayat office, has increased, while rainwater is accumulating along the roadside due to inadequate drainage.

The road between Shamshuddin Circle and the KSRTC bus stand, one of the busiest commercial stretches in Bhatkal, is currently affected by the ongoing construction. Frequent traffic disruptions have made it difficult for motorists to move through the area. Pedestrians are also facing problems while crossing the road and accessing shops.

Bhatkal Taluk Citizens' Protection Committee president Satish Kumar said the authorities had been urged before the work began to take up the service roads and stormwater drainage along with the main highway work.

The committee had opposed the proposal to complete the main carriageway first and take up the service roads and drains later, he said. There was concern that the supporting works could be delayed once the main road was completed.

Although work on the service roads and drainage has since started, its pace is not satisfactory, Satish Kumar said.

Shopkeepers along the highway are also facing difficulties because of the construction. Local traders said customers are finding it difficult to reach their shops, while traffic confusion, dust and mud have affected business.

The KSRTC bus stand near Shamshuddin Circle is another factor contributing to the traffic congestion. Buses entering and leaving the town, along with other vehicles, are using the same stretch, resulting in confusion at the junction.

Traffic movement is also becoming disorderly near the Taluk Panchayat office, where the newly constructed road joins the existing two-lane road. Residents fear that the situation could increase the risk of accidents.

Although the new highway has been raised above the earlier road level, water is still accumulating near Shamshuddin Circle and the KSRTC bus stand during rainfall. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of the drainage arrangements.

Waterlogging in these areas is not a new problem. Shamshuddin Circle, Ranginkatta and other stretches of NH-66 have faced similar problems in the past.

Issues related to drains and culverts near the KSRTC bus stand and Noor Mosque had also been brought to the attention of officials earlier. Residents are now urging the authorities to put proper arrangements in place before the problem becomes more serious during the monsoon.

The four-laning of NH-66 in Bhatkal has faced delays for several years. According to earlier reports, the project began in 2013 and was originally expected to be completed by 2017.

Work had picked up pace earlier this year in key parts of the town, including Shamshuddin Circle. However, questions had already been raised over the service roads and other supporting works.

With the monsoon now underway, there are concerns that the pace of construction could slow further.

Residents are therefore demanding that the service roads, drainage systems and traffic arrangements at major junctions be completed along with the main highway work.

The concern is that even if the four-lane highway is eventually completed, traffic congestion inside the town and waterlogging could continue unless the supporting infrastructure is completed properly.

For Bhatkal residents, the key question now is not just when the highway will be completed, but when the basic arrangements needed for safe traffic movement and proper drainage will be ready.