Nanthoor Junction yet to be reconstructed.

The condition of Nanthoor Junction, which has seen five people die in road accidents since last year, remains the same even after Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim visited it a week ago to provide a solution to end the accidents. In all, 15 persons have been injured in accidents at the junction in a year.

Mr. Ibrahim visited the spot along with officials from the National Highways Authority of India, the City Traffic Police and residents on March 2.

The officials from the authority had assured of making a portion of the road connecting the junction asphalt and provide more space for motorists.

Assurance was also given to shift a bus stop near the junction.

Except for trimming the medians, there has been no change at the junction. Motorists have been saying that the junction had been constructed unscientifically resulting in traffic jams and accidents.

After three persons were killed in an accident on February 27, people had resorted to snap stir on the same night demanding reconstruction of the junction.

As promised, the widening of a portion of the road to enable vehicles from Udupi side to take a free left towards Maroli and Bikarnakatte had not begun.

The widened stretch of road from Kadri near the Nanthoor Junction bus stop is yet to be asphalted.

Vasant Kumar Shetty, who is a part of the group of residents fighting to make the junction safe for motorists, alleged that there is lack of seriousness among officials in addressing the problem. 'There is always fear among motorists of being knocked down by buses and heavy vehicles,' he said.

Officials are yet to take measures like having speed-breakers to control the speed of vehicles on the National Highway that passes through the city.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Uday Naik said that a temple festival had delayed moving ahead with the work. The authority would resume the work soon.


THE HINDU