Mangalore Gets Green Light for Baikampady‑Kuloor Underpass on NH‑66

In a move that’s likely to bring a sigh of relief to daily commuters, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has finally signed off on an under‑pass at the busy Baikampady‑Kuloor junctions of Mangalore. The stretch, part of the bustling NH‑66 that snakes along India’s western coast, has long been a bottleneck for both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks shuttling goods in and out of the city’s bustling port.

According to the official release, the project will span roughly 1.2 kilometres and will sit comfortably beneath the existing highway, creating a grade‑separated corridor for traffic moving between the industrial hub of Baikampady and the residential pockets of Kuloor. It’s not just a simple “tunnel” – the design incorporates two lanes each way, pedestrian walkways, and even provision for future expansion, which is a nice touch given how quickly the area has been growing.

The cost, the document says, is pegged at about ₹250 crore (roughly $30 million), a figure that’s being shared between the central government and the Karnataka state government in a 60‑40 split. Funding, as always, is the tricky part, but officials are confident the cash flow will stay steady, given the project’s “strategic importance” for the region’s logistics network.

When asked about timelines, a senior engineer from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) hinted that the groundwork could start by the end of the year, with the under‑pass likely to be operational within 24‑30 months. “We’re looking at a phased approach – first the foundations, then the structural work, followed by finishing touches like lighting and safety systems,” he explained, pausing briefly before adding that weather could be a factor, especially during the monsoon months.

Local residents seem cautiously optimistic. “We’ve been stuck at that intersection for years,” says Ramesh Shetty, a shop owner from Kuloor. “If this under‑pass really works, it could cut our travel time by half. But we also hope the construction won’t turn our streets into a never‑ending mess.” Authorities have promised regular updates and minimal disruption, though they admit some inconvenience is inevitable.

Environmental clearances have also been cleared, with the project design aiming to minimise impact on nearby mangroves and water bodies. Green‑belt buffers and rain‑water harvesting facilities will be incorporated, a nod to the growing emphasis on sustainable infrastructure.

Overall, the under‑pass is being billed as a “game‑changer” for Mangalore’s connectivity, especially as the city’s port continues to expand and the demand for smoother freight movement rises. If everything goes as planned, commuters might soon find themselves cruising under the congestion, rather than stuck in it.