NH 169 Widening Project Faces Delays As Land Acquisition Disputes Stall Rs 1,137 Crore Highway Expansion
The ambitious four-laning of National Highway 169 between Mangaluru and Karkala, a Rs 1,137 crore infrastructure project initiated over five years ago, continues to face significant delays due to land acquisition disputes and pending forest clearances.
The 45-kilometre stretch from Bikarnakatte to Sanoor via Moodbidri is designed to enhance regional connectivity.
Compensation disputes over land acquisition have emerged as major hurdles in completing the project, with work remaining stuck at multiple critical locations.
At Padavu village, progress has stalled for approximately 2. 5 kilometres, whilst sections near Polali and Alangar face similar challenges.
An 830-metre stretch at Kanthavara in Karkala remains pending due to a lack of forest clearance, and the stretch between Vamanjoor and Bikarnakatte continues to grapple with land acquisition complications.
The project timeline reveals a protracted journey from conception to implementation. A feasibility study initiated in 2014 did not translate into action until 2017.
By 2018, NHAI had finalised proposals to acquire 180 acres required for upgrading the highway.
The task was initially assigned to NHAI's Chitradurga division before a separate project implementation unit was established to oversee the complex undertaking.
Mariyamma Thomas, president of NH 169 Bhoo Maalikara Horata Samithi, an action committee representing affected landowners, has stated that NHAI must pay Rs 286 crore in compensation to landowners whose properties are being acquired for the road-widening project.
Recent reports indicate that Rs 585 crore has been distributed to around 1,534 applicants, though disputes continue in Padavu village where proceedings remain under litigation.
The project aims to improve regional connectivity and reduce congestion between Mangaluru, Moodbidri and Karkala, areas home to several educational institutions and tourist destinations.
Two bypasses at Gurupura and Moodbidri are expected to alleviate traffic congestion, whilst the highway upgrade promises enhanced logistics, economic growth and improved access to pilgrimage centres at Dharmasthala and Sringeri.