• Project to curb accidents to be completed by December
• 7 more underpasses to come up at key junctions in Mysuru

Mysuru: With rising interstate traffic and a spike in road accidents on the Mysuru-Nanjangud stretch of National Highway 766 — especially towards tourist hotspots like Bandipur, Ooty, Nanjangud, Chamarajanagar and Wayanad — the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has accelerated the construction of a major underpass near the Bandipalya APMC Yard.

The underpass, extending one kilometre, is being built to ease congestion and enhance road safety. The project is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed by December 2025.

Executed in coordination with the National Highways Division of the Karnataka Government, the project is part of a broader NHAI initiative to address accident-prone zones.

Based on accident data from the past three to four years, the NHAI identified eight black spots on this stretch. Causes include speeding, rash driving and driver negligence.

To mitigate these risks, the underpass project has been prioritised among eight similar projects planned at a total cost of Rs. 40 crore. The remaining projects will be undertaken in phases depending on traffic density.

Bandipalya APMC Yard underpass is being implemented by Andhra Pradesh-based Krishi Infratech. It includes an elevated corridor of half a kilometre on either side for incoming and outgoing vehicles, with two lanes below and four lanes above, totalling six lanes. Once completed, the upgrade will provide seamless movement for vehicles entering and exiting Mysuru.

Key features t include upgraded service roads, box drains, high-mast lights, pedestrian crossings, junction improvements, road widening, speed bumps and road signage — measures aimed at improving both vehicular and pedestrian safety.

Recently, NHAI Assistant Executive Engineer Padmaja Utla inspected the works and directed the contractors to complete the project within the set deadline.

The other seven underpasses, each costing Rs. 5 crore, are planned near Sri Ganapathy Ashram, Hosahalli, Kalale on Gundlupet Road, Yelachanahalli Bore Gate, Kempaiahanahundi on T. Narasipur Road and Bannikuppe on Hunsur Road.

These infrastructure projects are expected to significantly improve safety and traffic flow on key routes connecting Mysuru to surrounding districts and States.