NH 169 Yedapadavu Section Reopens After Month-Long Closure

The NH 169 section near Yedapadavu has reopened after being closed for one month. This allows traffic to use the new Yedapadavu bypass.
By Newsroom | Transport, Infrastructure |

A segment of the Mangaluru-Solapur National Highway 169 near Yedapadavu, shut for a month due to structural instability, has resumed traffic. The road, closed from February 10th, now permits movement via the newly constructed Yedapadavu bypass. This re-opening offers a degree of normalcy for the hundreds who traverse the Mangaluru-Moodbidri-Karkala route daily.

The instability that necessitated the closure originated from cracks appearing in the existing carriageway, which runs across Yedapadavu Hills. These cracks developed following National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) activities related to the construction of a bypass, involving significant hill-cutting. The closure prompted police to reroute vehicles and led to the expedited completion of one carriageway of the Yedapadavu bypass.

Mangaluru-Moodbidri NH 169 portion near Yedapadavu opens for traffic after month-long closure - 1

Detours and Disruption

During the month-long closure, commuters faced substantial disruption. Initial advisories from Mangaluru Police detailed intricate diversions, with different routes specified for heavy goods vehicles, public buses, and light vehicles. For instance, lorries travelling from Moodbidri to Mangaluru were directed via Vidyagiri Mulki Cross, Muchoor Cross, Kaikamba, and Gurupura. Local buses and lighter vehicles were often directed through a more circuitous path involving Daddi Cross, Pumar Padavu Cross, Manjanakatte Cross, Arjunakodi, and Eshwarakatte Cross.

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The temporary routes, described as "makeshift" and "narrow," impacted local transport, with route buses and local vehicles navigating these less-than-ideal paths. The NHAI's intervention focused on accelerating the bypass construction, aiming to eventually restore the original road.

Mangaluru-Moodbidri NH 169 portion near Yedapadavu opens for traffic after month-long closure - 2

Unresolved Broader Issues

While the immediate passage through Yedapadavu is now open, the incident highlights underlying challenges with the broader NH 169 widening project. This Rs 1,137 crore initiative, aiming to widen the 45-km stretch between Mangaluru and Karkala, has been underway for over five years and remains far from complete.

Sources within the NHAI indicate that land acquisition and compensation disputes are significant impediments to the project's progress. A specific section between Vamanjoor and Bikarnakatte is reportedly stalled due to these land acquisition issues. Forest clearances also emerge as a hurdle for widening works on this vital corridor connecting Mangaluru with Solapur. Despite these persistent obstacles, NHAI officials suggest that ongoing work between Vamanjoor and Baiturli is slated for completion before the monsoon. However, land-related issues persist in other critical areas, including near Rosa Mystica Convent and at Alangar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the NH 169 section near Yedapadavu closed for a month?
The road was closed from February 10th because of cracks that appeared in the road. These cracks happened after work was done to build a bypass, which involved cutting hills.
Q: Is the NH 169 section near Yedapadavu open again for traffic?
Yes, the section of NH 169 near Yedapadavu has reopened. Traffic can now use the newly built Yedapadavu bypass.
Q: What problems did drivers face during the NH 169 closure near Yedapadavu?
Drivers had to use different, narrow, and difficult routes. Police gave specific directions for lorries, buses, and smaller cars, causing delays and problems for local transport.
Q: What are the bigger problems with the NH 169 widening project?
The overall project to widen NH 169 is slow. Problems include buying land, paying people, and getting permission from forest departments. These issues have stopped work in some areas.
Q: When will the NH 169 widening project be finished?
It is not clear when the whole project will be finished. Some parts might be done before the monsoon, but land problems in other areas are still causing delays.