On Monday evening in Uppinangady, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) dispatched Project Director Abdullah Javed Azmi and a team of engineers to inspect a blockage that has left a 78‑year‑old resident, Gilbert Antony Menezes, and his 73‑year‑old wife stranded for a year.
The couple lives in Gandhipark, the town centre, where a four‑lane highway expansion inadvertently destroyed the narrow lane that connected their home to the main road. Because the access way vanished, the wife, who suffers from a chronic illness, cannot be taken by vehicle to the nearest hospital, forcing the family to endure repeated hardship.
The situation surfaced after a local newspaper highlighted the undeclared blockade, prompting Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai to summon Azmi to his office. The legislator demanded immediate redress for the elderly residents.
Following the MLA's directive, Azmi arrived at the site, accompanied by officials from the local administration, a representative of the contracting firm U.T. Thousheef, and the Uppinangady Block Congress President. After reviewing the terrain, Azmi assured that the NHAI would coordinate with municipal authorities to clear neighbouring obstructions, relocate an electricity pole that impedes passage, and construct a new approach road leading directly to the Menezes household.
Engineer Raghunath Reddy of U.T. Thousheef confirmed that the required adjustments could be implemented without further delay. Gilbert Antony Menezes expressed gratitude to the newspaper for drawing attention to their plight, noting that the prompt visit by Azmi and other officials offered a hopeful resolution after months of unanswered pleas.
With the promise of a dedicated access road, the couple anticipates smoother travel for medical appointments and a return to normalcy, while local authorities monitor the progress to ensure the promised works are completed promptly.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK