The four-laning of the Bikarnakatte (Mangaluru)-Sanur (Karkala) section of National Highway 169 has achieved 76.1% progress, and the project is expected to be completed by March 2027, according to Abdulla Javed Azmi, Director, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Project Implementation Unit, Mangaluru.Speaking at the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting here on Saturday, he said that of the 45.01-km highway stretch being upgraded, 36.42 km is ready. The project, costing ₹1,137 crore, was originally scheduled for completion on October 8, 2024.He added that work on a 1-km stretch near Rosa Mistica School at Gurupura-Kaikamba remains stalled due to a court stay order.Bridge projectMr. Azmi said the six-lane bridge project on NH 66 across the Phalguni River at Kulur has achieved 58% progress. One carriageway is likely to be completed by November 2026, and the entire project by May 2027. Launched on April 12, 2021, the project was originally slated for completion on October 11, 2022. The project cost is ₹69.02 crore.Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan suggested that the NHAI conduct a joint survey with the district administration to identify and clear encroachments along national highways in the district. Published - August 29, 2026 08:15 pm IST