The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Sunday (May 17, 2026) fixed potholes and craters on the 390-metre stretch of Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway 75 at Enjira that is being made four-lane in a bid to make it motorable.
The Hindu had on April 5 highlighted the pathetic condition of the stretch.
NHAI Mangaluru Project Implementation Unit Director Abdulla Javed Azmi told The Hindu that the stretch was earmarked for the construction of an elephant underpass (EUP) as a part of the wildlife mitigation plans. Opposing the proposal, local residents had approached the court and the matter was recently disposed of.
The affected stretch between Nellyadi and Udane would make driving a herculean task. | Photo Credit: ANIL KUMAR SASTRY
As construction of the EUP would take more time, the Authority filled potholes and craters and laid a fresh coat of bitumen on the stretch to alleviate the woes of road users, Mr. Azmi said. He added that the EUP work would be undertaken soon after the monsoon.
The about 390-metre stretch, located between Nellyadi and Udane in Kadaba taluk, would force even large-wheeled trucks to drive below 5 kmph to negotiate the craters. Cars and other small vehicles were bound to get their belly rubbed against the dilapidated road surface while attempting to manoeuvrer the craters.
With construction of the proposed elephant underpass (EUP) taking more time, the NHAI filled the potholes and craters and laid a fresh coat of bitumen to alleviate the woes of road users. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
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. But the project highway remained two-lane with pathetic carriageway condition in certain stretches between Uppinangady and Adda Hole, including Enjira.
Another about 400-metre stretch near Periyashanthi towards Nellyadi, which had also remained incomplete, is being attended to, Mr. Azmi said.