Finally, relief for motorists at Baikampady, Kuloor: Rupees 11.63cr approved for NH 66 underpasses

Mangaluru, 

For years, the Baikampady and Kuloor junctions on National Highway 66 have remained among Mangaluru’s most difficult traffic points. Congestion, dangerous crossings, long vehicle queues and repeated accidents gradually turned the two stretches into daily bottlenecks for commuters travelling towards the city, industrial zones and northern parts of Dakshina Kannada.

Now, after years of public demand and growing traffic pressure, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved more than Rs 11.63 crore for the construction of underpasses at the two junctions, offering hope for safer and smoother movement along one of coastal Karnataka’s busiest highway corridors.

The Centre has sanctioned Rs 7.09 crore for a Light Vehicular Underpass at Baikampady Junction and Rs 4.54 crore for an underpass near the Kuloor-KIOCL Junction on NH 66. Though relatively small compared to major highway expansion projects, the two works are expected to directly address long standing traffic and safety concerns at both locations. Baikampady Junction serves as a major access point to the region’s industrial belt and port linked commercial zone.

Heavy container trucks, industrial vehicles, buses and local traffic merge onto the highway at the same point every day, often resulting in chaotic movement and risky crossings. Vehicles entering or exiting the industrial area are frequently forced to cut across fast moving highway traffic, especially during peak hours. The junction has witnessed several accidents and near misses over the years, with residents, industrial stakeholders and commuters repeatedly demanding a permanent traffic solution.

The proposed underpass is expected to separate local crossing traffic from the main highway flow, reducing traffic conflict points and improving movement towards Surathkal and Udupi. The situation near Kuloor has been equally challenging. The Kuloor-KIOCL Junction acts as a key connecting point towards Tannirbhavi, Surathkal, MSEZ and several residential localities.

As traffic volume steadily increased over the years, congestion near the bridge and junction became a daily reality for motorists. Long traffic queues during peak hours have become common near the stretch. Vehicles attempting turns or local crossings often in terrupt highway movement, while pedestrians and two wheeler riders continue to face unsafe conditions while navigating the junction.

The proposed underpass at Kuloor is expected to ease congestion and improve movement for vehicles heading towards Tannirbhavi and the industrial belt while reducing pressure on the highway corridor. Work on the new Kuloor Bridge, which had earlier faced criticism over delays, has also picked up pace in recent months, raising hopes of overall traffic improvement in the area once the ongoing and proposed projects are completed.

The approval of the underpasses also reflects the growing need for scientific traffic planning in Mangaluru. The city today handles increasing industrial transport, port traffic, interstate vehicle movement and expanding suburban commuting. Yet several junctions on NH 66 continue to operate with outdated traffic arrangements that are no longer suitable for present day vehicle density.

Every traffic pile up and accident on these stretches has highlighted the urgent need for long term in frastructure solutions instead of temporary traffic management measures. The challenge now lies in execution. Infrastructure projects in the region have often faced delays due to land acquisition, utility shift ing and monsoon related disruptions. Public expectations are now firmly tied to how quickly these sanctioned works move from approval to reality.

For commuters navigating these junctions every day, the sanction is more than just another infrastructure announcement. It is a long awaited attempt to correct two of Mangaluru’s most problematic highway intersections that have tested the patience of motorists for years. Meanwhile, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta welcomed the approval and said the projects would improve connectivity, reduce congestion and enhance road safety along the NH 66 corridor.