Missing service road turns NH-169 into traffic harzard

Mangaluru, 

Even as public attention has once again turned towards the missing service road link at Bannadka on National Highway 169, residents in the area say the danger has existed for years and continues to worsen with rising traffic and speeding vehicles. The latest demand for immediate construction of the missing service road stretch has reopened discussion on what locals describe as one of the most unsafe points along the Mangaluru - Moodbidri highway corridor.

Residents allege that despite repeated complaints and multiple accidents in the past, the issue has remained unattended. People living near the stretch say the absence of a proper service road forces local traffic to abruptly enter the main highway, often directly into the path of fast-moving vehicles. With NH-169 now carrying significantly higher traffic volume than before, commuters claim even minor judgement errors can turn fatal.

Several local residents recalled past accidents at the spot involving two wheelers, pedestrians and smaller vehicles attempting to cross or merge onto the highway. While official accident figures were not immediately available, locals insist the stretch has long been considered accident prone by daily commuters.

Many blame speeding for the recurring danger. According to residents, vehicles travelling towards Moodbidri and Mangaluru often maintain high speed through the Bannadka stretch due to the relatively open four-lane road. With out a dedicated service road or regulated merging point, local commuters are left with very little margin for safe movement. “The road expansion improved highway movement, but local access became more dangerous,” said a resident who regularly uses the stretch. Residents say school students, elderly people and workers travelling short local distances are among the most vulnerable. 

MP seeks immediate intervention by NHAI

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta recently urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to immediately construct the missing service road link at Bannadka on NH-169, stating that the incomplete stretch has become a serious safety concern for commuters and local residents. He reportedly highlighted the increasing traffic movement on the corridor and the risks faced by motorists due to the absence of proper local access infrastructure.

Interestingly, NHAI officials indicated that when the highway project was originally designed and executed, authorities did not feel there was a strong requirement for a continuous service road at that location. Officials also stated that they are currently awaiting directions from higher authorities regarding possible construction of the missing link. However, residents argue that traffic conditions in the region have changed drastically over the years.

Rapid urban growth, commercial activity, educational institutions and increasing vehicle ownership have transformed the once less-busy stretch into a high-risk traffic zone. Locals say the issue reflects a broader problem seen in many high way expansion projects where emphasis is placed on long-distance vehicle movement while local connectivity and safety are overlooked.

They argue that highways cutting through populated areas require proper service roads, pedestrian access and controlled entry systems to prevent accidents. The renewed political attention surrounding the issue has raised expectations among residents, but many remain cautious. They point out that previous assurances and inspections have not resulted in visible action on the ground. For commuters passing through Bannadka every day, the concern is no longer merely about infrastructure completion. Residents say it has be come an urgent safety is sue that needs immediate intervention before anoth er serious accident occurs on the stretch.