Karwar: Deputy Commissioner Gangubai Mankar directed National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials to expedite the NH-66 four-lane project during a meeting in Kumta. The IRB company reported only a 7.8 km stretch between Karwar and Bhatkal remains unfinished. Mankar asked public works officials to verify this claim.

She highlighted issues with unscientific civil work and the lack of proper underground drainage, causing water to enter houses in low-lying areas like Majali, Araga, and Binaga, especially during monsoon. Immediate action is needed to address these issues before the rainy season.

The DC emphasized identifying accident-prone spots on the highway, installing instruction boards, streetlights, and beginning service road work where pending. She also called for constructing underpasses and bus shelters at suitable locations. Safety measures must be implemented to prevent public inconvenience during the ongoing four-lane highway works.