Mangaluru: Those commuting on National Highway 66 from Mangaluru towards Kerala have received a temporary respite as the Mangaluru traffic police have got the underpass of the still under-construction Thokkottu Flyover opened for vehicles coming from Konaje to the city.

Ever since the flyover work began in 2011, vehicles from Konaje, bound for Mangaluru and beyond, had to take a left turn at Thokkottu Junction, go till Ullal Cross, and take a U-turn towards the city. For some time, vehicles used to join NH 66 through the Thokkottu Bus Station, which the police got closed because of frequent disruption of traffic on the highway.

Mohammed Haneef, a resident of Deralakatte who deals with scrap material in Mangaluru, welcomed the police action. “During peak hours, it used to be a nightmare to reach the city taking left turn at Thokkottu Junction and then a U-turn at Ullal Cross,” he recalled.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M. Manjunatha Shetty told The Hindu that ever since the underpass was opened to vehicles from Konaje, piling up of vehicles on NH 66 has reduced considerably. Vehicles can directly enter the underpass from Konaje Road and take a right turn towards the city, he said.

Police personnel have been deployed to regulate traffic at the junction to facilitate crossing, particularly during peak hours. The National Highways Authority of India too periodically fills potholes on the stretch, allowing smooth vehicular movement, he said.

The action came after residents frequently exhorted the police to get the underpass opened. Mr. Shetty said though a similar measure was planned at Pumpwell (Bhagwan Mahaveer) Circle, it may not materialise immediately owing to some technical reasons.

The NHAI and concessionaire Navayuga Udupi Tollway Pvt. Ltd. have promised to complete the Thokkottu Flyover work by this December and the Pumpwell work by March next.