Tue Oct 21 13:53:58 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The four-lane project on the Karkala-Mala stretch of National Highway 169 in Karnataka, India, is significantly delayed, causing hardship for travelers. Despite significant progress (80% complete), land acquisition issues are stalling the project. Landowners are refusing to relinquish their land, hoping for enhanced compensation promised by local officials. Realignments in certain stretches of the project are also awaiting final acquisition notices. The delay persists despite a prior assurance from the Union Road Transport Minister that the road would be completed by February 2025.

News Article:

Highway Project Stalled, Leaving Travelers in Peril on Karkala-Mala Stretch

MANGALURU, October 21, 2025 – Thousands of travelers on the popular Karkala-Sringeri/Dharmasthala tourism circuit are facing significant challenges due to the incomplete four-lane project on the Karkala-Mala stretch (Pulkeri Junction to Mala Forest Gate) of National Highway 169. The unfinished construction, plagued by frequent diversions and a lack of proper road markings, is creating hazardous conditions, particularly at night and during periods of heavy rainfall.

The ₹177.94 crore project, funded by the Union Road Transport Ministry, was intended to improve connectivity between Karkala, Guruvayankere, and the Mangaluru-Chikkamagaluru National Highway 73, a route heavily used by tourists visiting both coastal and Malnad regions.

“The frequent ‘take diversion’ signs and the complete lack of road furniture make driving on this stretch a nightmare,” said Madhusudhan Gowda, a Bengaluru resident who frequently travels the route. “It’s appalling to see such apathy from the government when the land is readily available for widening.”

While a senior engineer from the Karnataka Public Works Department claimed that 80% of the work is complete, land acquisition remains the primary obstacle. Despite final notices being issued and compensation paid, landowners are reportedly refusing to hand over their properties, spurred by promises of enhanced compensation from local political figures.

“The revenue department does not appear keen on making lands available,” the engineer lamented.

Adding to the complications, project realignments near Pulkeri Junction, Kadari, and Mala are awaiting final acquisition notices.

Assistant Commissioner S.R. Rashmi stated that the Public Works Department needs to provide details of landowners who are refusing to vacate so that the administration can proceed with forceful eviction.

The delay is particularly frustrating as Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had assured Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary that the four-lane stretch would be completed by February 2025. However, on the ground, progress remains stagnant. The lack of progress on the crucial highway link is impacting tourism and daily commutes, highlighting the ongoing challenges of infrastructure development in the region.

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