NH-66 widening in Uttara Kannada stalls a decade after deadline, 300 lives lost

National Highway 66, which runs along Karnataka’s western coast, has seen its widening project in the Uttara Kannada district stalled for ten years beyond the original deadline. The delay has left the road in a state of disrepair, with narrow lanes and inadequate safety features. According to transport officials, the extended construction period has contributed to an estimated 300 fatalities in road accidents on this stretch. Funding shortages and protracted land‑acquisition disputes have been cited as the main reasons for the holdup. Local residents and transport operators are urging state authorities to expedite the completion of the project to improve safety and reduce the toll of lives lost.