Repair Work Begins on Surathkal-Nanthoor Stretch of NH 66

quick Summary

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced maintenance work on the Panvel-Kochi National highway 66 between Surathkal and Nanthoor in Mangaluru.
• Works include pothole filling, patch repairing, shoulder drain cleaning, and other repairs scheduled until August 13, subject to dry weather conditions.
• Repairs will be carried out during off-peak hours (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) and at night; temporary traffic diversions have been advised.
• traffic police will manage smooth vehicle movement while safety signage and speed limits will be imposed in work zones.
• These repairs are part of broader works initiated in April 2025 on the highway’s Baikampady-Kuloor stretch and Port Connectivity Road (11 km).
• The project costs ₹26.05 crore, sanctioned by the Union Road Transport Ministry after efforts from Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. brijesh Chowta.
• Early rains disrupted progress after initial works began but road users continued facing issues due to deteriorated conditions.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The ongoing repair works on NH66 between Surathkal and nanthoor reflect a vital attempt at reviving infrastructure essential for seamless connectivity in coastal Karnataka. Scheduled during off-hours to minimize inconvenience, proactive measures like safety signage indicate an effort toward maintaining commuter safety despite temporary disruptions. Moreover, MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta’s involvement underscores how focused political advocacy can unlock necessary funding for growth.

However, delayed progress owing to unseasonal rain highlights India’s persistent struggle with infrastructure projects affected by unpredictable weather – pointing to possible scope for preemptive planning mechanisms or technology adoption that accounts for regional climatic patterns.

if triumphant by its August deadline, these repairs could relieve long-standing grievances over poor roads while strengthening trade routes tied closely with New Mangalore Port’s operations.

Read more: The Hindu