Bhatkal: After years of delay, the four-laning of National Highway 66 (NH-66) has gathered pace at a key stretch in Bhatkal town, raising fresh expectations that at least the pending work within town limits could be completed soon. 

The project, which began in 2013 and was originally scheduled for completion in 2017, has faced prolonged setbacks over the past decade.

Road widening and levelling work has now commenced near Shamsuddin Circle, in front of Noor Masjid — one of the busiest points in the town — following multiple review meetings, representations by elected representatives and repeated complaints from residents.

Earthmovers and JCB machines were deployed to clear soil and prepare the surface, signalling renewed activity on a stretch that had remained stalled for a prolonged period. The delays had drawn criticism from local residents and traders affected by incomplete works.

Last month, Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya, during a programme held in Bhatkal, assured that the four-laning work within town limits would be completed within two months. With visible progress now underway, residents say the present stretch could be completed within a month if construction continues without interruption.

Nearly four years ago, streetlights at Shamsuddin Circle, the KSRTC bus stand area and the Nawayath Colony stretch were removed to facilitate highway expansion. Authorities had then stated that the lights would be reinstalled once construction was completed. However, with the project remaining unfinished, the stretch continues to remain in darkness, prompting safety concerns. Residents allege that poor lighting, coupled with ongoing construction, has contributed to an increase in accidents along the highway segment.

Even as work gathers pace, questions remain over the proposed service road near the KSRTC bus stand. Residents are seeking clarity on whether the service road is part of the approved project plan and when it will be executed, arguing that without complementary infrastructure, the four-lane expansion alone may not ease traffic bottlenecks in the town.