Puttur, July 22: The ongoing improvement and widening work on the Puttur–Uppinangady Road has become one of the most discussed infrastructure projects in the constituency, with residents expressing both appreciation for the long-awaited development and concern over the inconvenience caused during construction.
For many residents, the road project is seen as a significant infrastructure upgrade for the region. Improved connectivity is expected to benefit local businesses, students, emergency services and thousands of motorists travelling between Puttur and Uppinangady.
On July 18, Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai inspected the ongoing road development works near Haradi along with officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), MESCOM, Railway Department and the Jalasiri Drinking Water Project. Following the inspection, the MLA announced that light motor vehicles would be allowed to use the stretch from Monday, offering hope of partial relief to motorists who have endured months of diversions, dust and traffic delays.
At the same time, the project has also attracted criticism over the pace of execution and the inconvenience faced by the public.
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Four days later, on July 22, Arun Kumar Puthila, Convenor of the Puthila Parivara Seva Trust, visited the same stretch along with members of the trust. Interacting with officials and the contractor, Puthila alleged that the Boluvaru–Haradi–Puttur road work was being carried out in an unscientific and incomplete manner, resulting in inconvenience to the public. He urged the authorities to complete the pending works at the earliest and ensure better safety for commuters.
The contrasting visits highlight two different approaches to the same public issue. While the MLA has been showcasing progress through regular inspections and development updates, Puthila has focused on the hardships faced by road users and the need for faster completion and improved execution.
Political observers note that although Arun Kumar Puthila remains active in public issues through the Puthila Parivara Seva Trust, the local BJP leadership has largely maintained a distance from him in recent years. Nevertheless, his continued engagement with civic issues has kept him in the public spotlight.
For residents, traders and daily commuters, however, the political narratives are secondary. Their immediate expectation is the early completion of the project and the restoration of hassle-free travel on one of the busiest roads connecting Puttur with the national highway.
Source: Statements issued by Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai (July 18) and Puthila Parivara Seva Trust (July 22).