Mon Jan 20 14:03:08 UTC 2025: ## Locals Protest Highway Dangers in Uchhila, Udupi
**Uchhila, Udupi, January 20, 2025** – Hundreds of residents staged a sit-in protest on National Highway 66 (Kochi-Panvel) in Uchhila, Udupi district, demanding improved road safety measures. The protest, organized by the Uchhila Nagarika Horata Samithi, highlighted the increasing number of accidents attributed to the highway’s design.
The Samithi criticized the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for its inaction despite repeated pleas for safer crossings and better street lighting. Former Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake joined the protest, along with Samithi president Siraj Uchhila and other members, demanding the immediate attention of NHAI officials.
Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary and Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna briefly stopped to hear the residents’ concerns. Following the arrival of NHAI Mangaluru project director Abdulla Javed Azmi, the Samithi reiterated their demands, warning of escalated action if their requests are not met.
Kaup Tahsildar R. Pratibha informed protesters that a road safety committee meeting, convened by the Deputy Commissioner, would address the issue. Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty pledged to work with the MP and Deputy Commissioner to ensure the meeting takes place within a week.
The Samithi’s demands include pedestrian crossings, street lighting, high-mast lights, and speed breakers on service roads. In a show of solidarity, shops in Uchhila remained closed during the protest.
First Piper 