Uttara Kannada highways turning deadly; 726 Killed in road accidents over three years

Bhatkal: February, 01 (Bhatkallys News Bureau) The national highways passing through Uttara Kannada, often described as part of Karnataka’s most scenic coastal belt, are increasingly turning into death traps. Poor road conditions, unscientific construction, delayed projects and unchecked vehicular movement have made highway travel across the district extremely dangerous.

According to official district police data, a total of 726 people have lost their lives and 5,124 have been seriously injured in road accidents across Uttara Kannada over the last three years. The figures point to a worrying trend of rising accidents year after year, particularly on national highways.

As reported by Vartha Bharati, police statistics show that 233 road accidents were recorded in 2023, claiming 248 lives. In 2024, the number of accidents rose to 264. In 2025 so far, 192 accidents have already been reported, resulting in 214 deaths. A majority of these fatal accidents have occurred on national highways, with rain-related potholes, incomplete stretches and unsafe diversions cited as major causes.

The situation is especially alarming along National Highway-66 in the Bhatkal region, where repeated accidents have triggered public anger and fear. In just a 600-metre stretch, six people, including students and young adults, have lost their lives within a single month. Locals say this stretch reflects the unscientific nature of the highway project.

Accident-prone areas such as Navayath Colony, Murdeshwar–Bastimakki, and the vicinity of the old Venkattapur bridge have become a constant source of anxiety for residents. Since the closure of the old bridge and the start of two-way traffic on the new bridge, the risk of accidents has reportedly increased.

Citizens blame delayed construction, incomplete service roads and sluggish progress in highway widening works for the growing number of fatalities. The four-laning project, which was originally supposed to be completed within three years, remains unfinished even after more than a decade.

As highways pass through densely populated urban areas, pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and local residents are forced to travel under constant fear. Many stretches lack proper service roads, warning signs and pedestrian crossings. During the monsoon, several sections of the highway turn waterlogged, further increasing accident risk.

Residents have demanded immediate safety interventions, including proper warning signage at accident-prone curves, functional streetlights, dedicated pedestrian pathways and scientifically designed traffic management systems. They have urged highway authorities to prioritise public safety instead of focusing only on completing construction works.

The continued collection of toll at Shirur toll gate, despite incomplete and unsafe highway stretches, has added to public resentment. Locals warn that unless authorities and elected representatives act urgently to implement road safety measures, the highways will continue to claim more lives.