Repair works begin on Surathkal-Nanthoor stretch of NH 66

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has said the stretch of Panvel-Kochi National Highway 66 between Surathkal and Nanthoor in Mangaluru will undergo maintenance and repair works till August 13 while urging road users to bear with temporary traffic diversions.

In a statement here, NHAI said the New Mangalore Port Road Company Ltd. (NMPRCL), the special purpose vehicle, that constructed the Port Connectivity Road between B.C. Road and NITK-Surathka will undertake the repair and maintenance works through its contractor if there is dry spell.

The works would be taken up during off-peak hours, that is, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and also at night. Scheduled works include pothole filling, patch repairing, shoulder drain cleaning, and other maintenance works. While speed limits and safety signage would be posted in work zones, traffic police would ensure smooth movement of traffic.

Started in April

Total renewal of a portion of the Port Connectivity Road (11 km) and repairing the Baikampady-Kuloor stretch of the highway was taken up by April-end at an estimated cost of ₹26.05 crore by NHAI on behalf of NMPRCL. Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, with his persistent efforts, got funds sanctioned from the Union Road Transport Ministry for total renewal and repair through NHAI.

Early rains that lashed the coast by the third week of May brought the renewal and repair works to a halt while road users continued to endure pothole and crater-ridden stretches of the highway.