Bhatkal: Even as the monsoon season draws to a close, the long-delayed four-lane expansion of the National Highway in Bhatkal remains stalled. The question troubling residents is clear: why has the work not resumed, and who is responsible for the delay? Growing suspicion now points towards the district and Taluk administration, with many wondering if official inaction is the real obstacle.

Though land acquisition was earlier cited as the major hurdle, most disputes have already been resolved. Compensation has been distributed to nearly all landowners, with only a handful of cases pending in court. Yet, construction has not restarted on lands already acquired. Instead, in some areas, previous landowners have even reoccupied compensated plots illegally, while authorities have allegedly failed to intervene.

When pressed, NHAI officials redirect responsibility to the Tehsildar, Assistant Commissioner, and District Deputy Commissioner. They stress that certain works—such as drainage construction, tree removal along the Raginkatte–Mood Bhatkal stretch, and demolition of structures—must be completed before the road expansion can continue. “If we move ahead on our own and law-and-order problems arise, we will be blamed,” one NHAI officer explained, adding that contractor IRB is ready to resume work immediately if the administration provides clearance and security. He further disclosed that the project deadline is set for March next year, but administrative hurdles are causing the delays.

The future of the project now rests entirely on the determination of the district administration. With no fresh demands raised by the public or local organizations, residents insist that officials must act decisively to complete the project without further delay. Locals are demanding the leaders of Bhatkal’s social organizations, especially the Tanzeem, the National Highway Horata Samithi, and the Citizens Forum, to put pressure on the Taluk and district administrations to clear the obstacles once and for all.