Bhatkal: The long-pending expansion of National Highway 66 passing through Bhatkal has run into fresh hurdles, with disputes emerging over the relocation of Murin Katte in the Nawayath Colony area and the taxi stand near the bus stand.
As construction activity resumed, disagreements surfaced regarding the shifting of Murin Katte. The issue has taken a sensitive turn, with one group insisting that the structure be completely relocated before the highway expansion proceeds, while another group is demanding that it be shifted to a nearby identified site. The lack of consensus has delayed work at the location.
Similarly, taxi owners and drivers operating from the stand near the bus stand have opposed relocation unless a suitable alternative site is provided, creating another obstacle to the progress of the highway project.
Against this backdrop, Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya visited Bhatkal and inspected key locations, including Mood Bhatkal, the taxi stand, Murin Katte and Kaikini Basti, to assess the ground situation.
Earlier, she chaired a meeting at the Tahsildar’s office with officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), representatives of the contracting firm IRB, and leaders from various communities to discuss the issues in detail.
Speaking to reporters later, the Deputy Commissioner stated that problems at two to three locations were hindering the progress of the highway work. Efforts are being made to resolve the disputes amicably and complete the project within the stipulated timeframe. She appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate and added that legal options would be considered if the matter cannot be resolved through dialogue.
Tahsildar Nagendra Kolashetty, NHAI Project Director Shivakumar, TMC Chief Officer Venkatesh Nauda, Police Inspector Divakar and other officials were present during the visit.