Chowta urges govt. to immediately widen a stretch of Airport Road

Dakshina Kannada MP urges Urban Development Department to widen Airport Road for safety, convenience, and economic growth.

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta on Saturday urged the Urban Development Department to immediately take up widening of a small stretch of Airport Road that has remained two-lane for many years to ease the traffic flow.

In a letter to Urban Development Minister B.S. Suresh, Capt. Chowta said that the Airport Road has been a four-lane one from the city till Marakada and from Malavoor Bridge to Airport Entry. The stretch between Marakada and Maravoor Bridge, falling under Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits, has remained just two lane for many years, the MP noted.

The about 1 km stretch remains narrow, poorly developed and in start contrast to the rest of the Airport Road. The two-lane portion causes traffic bottlenecks on a regular basis, increases the travel time and poses serious safety concerns for road users, airport bound commuters, and local residents as well.

The Public Works Department, besides constructing a new bridge at Maravoor across Phalguni (Gurupura) River, has widened the road from Maravoor till the Mangaluru International Airport entrance to four-lane, excluding the small stretch beneath the overbridge of Mangaluru-Mumbai line.

Capt. Chowta said, “In view of its strategic importance as the principal access route to the Mangaluru International Airport, I request that the Urban Development Department take up the four-laning and concreting of this particular stretch on priority. A seamless four-lane corridor from the city to the Airport is essential not only for safety and convenience but also to support the growing volume of traffic and the region’s economic potential.“

The MP further said the department should immediately focus on addressing potholes, craters, and the poor condition of the road surface on the stretch. The poor road condition enhances travel woes and endanger daily commuters. Urgent measures for filling potholes, restoring surface quality and ensuring basic upkeep and maintenance were also necessary to prevent further deterioration until permanent widening and concreting work is undertaken, he said.