Bhatkal: Ongoing construction work on National Highway-66 in the heart of Bhatkal town has led to severe traffic congestion over the past several days, with long vehicle queues and frequent traffic disruptions reported along the busy highway stretch.

In view of the situation, Bhatkal Police has appealed to motorists to avoid using the highway within town limits as far as possible and instead use internal roads for local travel.

According to the police advisory, commuters travelling from Shamsuddin Circle or Bundar Road towards the downtown and Marikatta market areas have been advised to take the Sonarkeri Road route near Asiya Hospital and proceed towards the Old Bus Stand via the road in front of the police station. The same route may also be used for the return journey.

Residents of Nawayath Colony, Madina Colony, Jali Road and Azad Nagar have been advised to use the Bundar Road 2nd Cross route via Kogti, while commuters from Kargedde and nearby localities have been urged to use internal roads connected through Sagar Road to avoid congestion on the highway.

Police have requested the public to cooperate until the completion of the NH-66 works by making maximum use of alternative routes to help ensure smooth traffic movement and public safety.