A Temporary Respite! Cops Open Underpass of Thokkuttu Flyover to Ease Traffic Chaos

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Alfie Dsouza, Team Mangalorean.
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A Temporary Respite! Cops Open Underpass of Thokkuttu Flyover to Ease Traffic Chaos

A Temporary Respite to Motorists at Thokkottu Junction! Cops Open Underpass of Thokkuttu Flyover to Ease Traffic Chaos

Mangaluru: As they say “Something is Better than Nothing”, Mangaluru Traffic Police under the supervision of ACP -Traffic Manjunath Shetty have got the underpass of the under-construction Thokkottu Flyover opened to vehicles coming from Konaje/Mangalore University/Deralakatte to Mangaluru. Those commuting on National Highway 66 from Mangaluru towards Kerala have received a temporary respite as the Mangaluru traffic police have got the underpass of the still-under-construction Thokkottu Flyover opened for vehicles coming from Konaje to the city.

Ever since the flyover work began in 2011, vehicles from Konaje, bound for Mangaluru and beyond, had to take a left turn at Thokkottu Junction, go till Ullal Cross, and take a U-turn towards the city. For some time, vehicles used to join NH 66 through the Thokkottu Bus Station, which the police got closed because of frequent disruption of traffic on the highway.

Few days ago, members of Ullal Central Committee Trust frustrated over the NH 66 pathetic condition and slow work had threatened to picket the busy NH 66 in the nearest future, if they didn’t get a proper response from NHAI and Navayuga Constructions. The Forum wanted to clear the road below the over-bridge at Thokkuttu so that they can have easy access to the Mangalore University. Seems like God heard their prayers, at least for now, the traffic chaos near Thokkuttu junction is less burdened. A small business owner, Mohammed Haneef, has commented saying, “This is a very good move by the traffic police. During peak hours, it used to be a nightmare to reach the city taking left turn at Thokkottu Junction and then a U-turn at Ullal Cross”.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M. Manjunatha Shetty speaking to media said that ever since the underpass was opened couple of days ago to vehicles from Konaje, piling up of vehicles on NH 66 has reduced considerably. Vehicles can directly enter the underpass from Konaje Road and take a right turn towards the city, he said. Also, police personnel have been deployed to regulate traffic at the junction to facilitate crossing, particularly during peak hours. The National Highways Authority of India too periodically fills potholes on the stretch, allowing smooth vehicular movement, he said.

The action came after residents and a newly formed Forum frequently exhorted the police to get the underpass opened. ACP Shetty said though a similar measure was planned at Kankanady Pumpwell Circle, but it may take some to materialize due to a few it may not materialize due to technical issues. But in the meantime, NHAI and concessionaire Navayuga Udupi Tollway Pvt. Ltd. have given assurances that the completion of Thokkottu Flyover work will be done by December 2018 and the Kankanady Pumpwell work by March-April 2019. In the meantime, citizens and motorists have to keep their fingers crossed.

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