Bhatkal: The deteriorating condition of the under-construction stretch of National Highway-66 in Bhatkal, coupled with alleged roadside encroachments by fish and fruit vendors, has emerged as a major concern for commuters, with residents urging authorities to enforce highway safety regulations.

The highway, already plagued by delayed construction, potholes, uneven stretches and heaps of earth due to what locals describe as unscientific execution of the project, has become increasingly difficult for motorists and pedestrians to navigate. The situation is further aggravated by vendors operating along both sides of the highway.

Several fruit sellers reportedly display heaps of watermelons or park handcarts and vehicles on the roadside, attracting customers who often stop their cars and motorcycles on the highway shoulder to purchase or bargain for fruits, leading to traffic obstructions.

The problem is said to be more acute in the case of fish vendors. Many of them allegedly park their vehicles along the highway and sell fresh fish, with on-the-spot cleaning and cutting facilities also being provided. Customers purchasing fish likewise park their vehicles on the roadside, further narrowing the carriageway.

Residents say these commercial activities leave little or no space for pedestrians and reduce the effective width of the road for vehicular traffic, increasing the risk of accidents on a stretch that is already hazardous because of the ongoing highway works.

Locals have also expressed concern over what they describe as a lack of enforcement by the municipal authorities and other government departments, alleging that the unauthorised roadside commercial activities continue unchecked despite posing risks to public safety.

Residents have urged the authorities to strictly implement highway safety regulations and remove unauthorised commercial activities from both sides of NH-66. They have specifically demanded that fish vendors be shifted to the designated fish market and that roadside fruit stalls operating along the highway also be removed. They have called upon the municipal administration and the police to take immediate action to ensure safer and smoother movement of traffic.