Mangaluru: Incomplete at several stretches, four-lane B.C. Road-Adda Hole on NH 75 throws surprise challenges to drivers

Incomplete stretches of NH 75 challenge drivers as NHAI misses promises for a fully operational four-lane highway by Monsoon 2025.

Cruising through the nearly complete four-lane Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway 75 between B.C. Road and Adda Hole in Dakshina Kannada district, one will have to apply sudden brakes after encountering a strictly two lane old NH 75 that is riddled with foot-deep craters.

The about 200 m stretch, located between Periyashanthi and Udane in Kadaba taluk, would make drivers of even large-wheeled trucks to drive below 5 kmph to negotiate the craters. Cars and other small vehicles are bound to get their belly rubbed against the dilapidated road surface while attempting to manoeuvrer the craters.

National Highway 75 stretch between Udane and Nellyadi on Thursday, April 2, in Dakshina Kannada District. | Photo Credit: Anil Kumar Sastry

While the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) that is executing the 63.6 km NH 75 four lane project between B.C. Road and Adda Hole since 2017, has almost completed the work, the project highway has remained two-lane with pathetic carriageway condition in certain stretches between Uppinangady and Adda Hole. The 200 m crater-ridden portion near Engira is one among several incomplete stretches of the project highway.

Another about 1 km stretch near Periyashanthi towards Nellyadi too has remained incomplete with the old carriageway remaining with potholes. A few other small stretches, including the one near Uppinangady, have remained incomplete.

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