By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Mangaluru: Alleging widespread irregularities and substandard construction on National Highways across Karnataka’s coastal belt, including the crucial NH-66 stretch between Talapady and Karwar, MLC Ivan D’Souza has demanded that Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, order an immediate probe.
Allegations of violations and negligence
Speaking at a press briefing in Mangaluru on Monday, D’Souza accused contractors of flouting National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) norms and engineering standards. “These blatant breaches have led to a surge in accidents in the region,” he said, adding that the issue is not limited to one location but is widespread along the coastal highways.
The MLC alleged that poor-quality work on flyovers and road stretches was being carried out unchecked, creating serious risks for motorists. He cited multiple accident cases as evidence of how shoddy execution was compromising public safety.
Talapady–Kasaragod section under spotlight
D’Souza specifically pointed to the Talapady–Kasaragod section of NH-66, claiming that contractors were executing the project illegally and with inferior materials. “This poor-quality work is a direct consequence of negligence by the Member of Parliament representing the Karnataka coast,” he charged.
According to him, commuters using the Talapady–Kasaragod route have long complained of dangerous conditions, including uneven surfaces, weak structures, and incomplete safety measures. The issue has reportedly worsened in recent months with increased traffic flow and inadequate monitoring.
Demand for ministerial intervention
In his letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, D’Souza urged the ministry to initiate a full-fledged investigation into the ongoing projects on NH-66 and other highways along the coastal belt. He emphasised that ensuring accountability from contractors and officials was vital to prevent further accidents and loss of lives.
“The ministry must hold contractors accountable for negligence and enforce stringent safety standards to protect road users,” D’Souza’s letter read.
A recurring concern in coastal Karnataka
The quality of highway infrastructure has been a long-standing concern for people in coastal Karnataka. With NH-66 serving as the lifeline that connects southern Kerala to northern Karnataka and Goa, the stretch witnesses heavy daily traffic, including commercial vehicles, interstate buses, and private cars.
Locals and transport associations have repeatedly raised complaints about potholes, incomplete service roads, poor signage, and delays in project completion. The monsoon season, in particular, exposes the weaknesses in road construction, leading to waterlogging and accidents.
With road safety emerging as a pressing concern on NH-66 and adjoining stretches, D’Souza’s demand for a ministerial probe has added political momentum to the issue. Whether the Union government initiates an inquiry could determine how swiftly accountability is fixed and whether the region’s highway infrastructure can be upgraded to meet national standards.
