On 7 October 2026, Member of Parliament Kote Sriniwas Pujari convened an urgent session at the Regional Officer office of National Highway in Nagasandra, Bangalore, to address the rising number of crashes on NH 66 between Hejamadi and Baindur.
Pujari highlighted that 94 people have lost their lives in the past ten months along this stretch, which falls within Udupi district. Officials have pinpointed 14 accident‑prone blocks, yet the lack of basic infrastructure, missing dividers, and inadequate signage continue to endanger commuters.
The MP urged the Regional Officer, Vilas Brahmanakar, to present a comprehensive DPR for NH 66 to the elected representatives, warning that failure to act will place full responsibility on the National Highway Authority. Brahmanakar confirmed phased approval for a full‑service road from Hejamadi to Kundapura, covering Koteshwara, Tekkatte, Kumbashi, Brahmavara Kalyanpura and other critical points such as Ambagilu and Ermalu.
Specific upgrades include installing traffic signals near Kote Viveka High School, Sasthana bus station and the toll plaza, constructing an under‑pass at Gurunarasimha and Anjaneya Devala after technical review, and addressing water‑logging concerns.
Local residents of Tenk‑Ermala protested the ongoing pedestrian over‑bridge, arguing it serves no practical purpose and disrupts temple access. Despite written objections from Pujari and MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, work persisted. Following the meeting, Brahmanakar ordered an immediate halt to the bridge construction.
Project Director Javed reported that the Ambalapadi over‑bridge and underlying service road, riddled with potholes, will be repaired without delay. At Santakatte, the service lane will be widened from 5‑5 metres to 7‑5 metres to ease traffic flow, a change Pujari approved on the spot.
After a recent crash at Kote Junction, the team agreed to submit an instant report and outline next steps. Plans are also underway for service roads extending to Balayipada, Kinnimulki, Katpadi and Gundmi in Brahmavara. The Katpadi under‑pass, slated for completion by 18.09.2027, will be expedited.
Finally, Pujari suggested offering discounted toll passes to vehicle owners traveling within a 20‑kilometre radius of Hejamadi and Sasthana toll plazas. Toll plaza chief Timmaiah received direct instructions from the RO to implement the measure promptly.
Image: kundapraa.com
📰 Source: Kundapra