Tanker Truck Mishap at Kinnimulki Junction Brings Chaos to NH-66 Traffic
UDUPI, KARNATAKA – June 6, 2025 | By Ground Report Bureau
In a stark reminder of the fragile balance between infrastructure planning and road safety, a tanker-laden truck overturned near Kinnimulki Junction on National Highway 66 on June 5, creating hours of traffic disruption and raising concerns over highway signage and route design.
The incident unfolded at the crucial junction where a service road merges onto the Mangaluru-bound stretch of NH-66, a notoriously busy route for both freight and passenger transport.
A Sudden Turn to Chaos
According to preliminary accounts, the driver had parked the truck at the same location for nearly two days, reportedly due to confusion caused by a misplaced road signage board. On Thursday afternoon, while attempting to reverse out of the narrow approach to avoid the signage obstruction, the truck’s enormous cylindrical tank dislodged and toppled across the highway.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud screech followed by the dull metallic thud of the tank hitting the asphalt. The tank, while intact, blocked nearly two-thirds of the road, forcing all heavy vehicles — including other tankers and cargo haulers — to come to a complete halt.
"I saw vehicles backing up all the way to the Karavali bypass," said Naveen D’Souza, a local auto driver who was caught in the jam for nearly 40 minutes. "There was no space to maneuver, and it looked like the tank had fallen just short of hitting a pedestrian."
Authorities Respond Swiftly, But Gaps Remain
The Udupi Traffic Police were quick to respond, arriving on site within 20 minutes of the incident. Officers directed light vehicles toward temporary detours through the Ambalpady and Adi-Udupi inner roads, while heavier vehicles were forced to wait until the obstruction was cleared.
Traffic Inspector A.R. Prabhu stated that no injuries were reported, and the driver was issued a notice to immediately remove the vehicle from the site. A recovery team with a hydraulic crane was called in to reposition the tank and remove the truck, which was eventually achieved by nightfall.
"We were fortunate that the tank didn’t rupture or roll into oncoming traffic," said Inspector Prabhu. "However, this exposes a recurring issue — that of improper signage placement and lack of clarity at merging points."
What Went Wrong? Signage and Human Error
Though the driver’s slow maneuver was partly to blame, police officials and local civic engineers also pointed to faulty infrastructure planning. The signage that blocked the path — reportedly indicating a diversion toward Mangaluru — was placed directly at the road merge point, leaving insufficient space for large vehicles to turn or reroute safely.
Moreover, the truck was allowed to remain parked on the shoulder for two days without penalty, raising questions about enforcement consistency along the highway stretch.
Transportation expert Dr. Reena Nayak from NITK Surathkal noted, “Highways like NH-66, which serve dual roles as intercity corridors and local access roads, need better merge planning and stricter regulation of parking and signage. One small placement error can trigger massive logistical delays.”
Impact on Movement and Public Response
Commuters traveling between Udupi and Mangaluru faced major delays, with several buses forced to reroute through villages and arrive late. Logistic companies reported delays in deliveries and heightened fuel costs due to idling in traffic.
Public frustration was palpable. "There needs to be a hotline for real-time traffic diversions," said Shweta Kamath, a frequent traveler on this route. "We can’t rely only on Google Maps when real-world diversions are badly marked or blocked."
Some local residents also expressed concern about emergency vehicle access in such gridlocks, especially as NH-66 is a common corridor for ambulances heading to Manipal Hospitals.
Lessons & The Road Ahead
The incident, while non-fatal, has reignited calls for a comprehensive audit of NH-66’s junction points and clearer regulation of oversized vehicle parking.
According to sources in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), a team is expected to inspect the Kinnimulki junction area and re-evaluate signage placement and visibility protocols in the coming week.
Local MLA Pradeep Shetty also took to social media, stating:
“I have directed the Public Works Department and NHAI officials to ensure that such design flaws and enforcement lapses are rectified. Kinnimulki is a strategic point; it deserves better infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, the truck driver — who remains unnamed — is likely to face penalties under Section 194 of the Motor Vehicles Act, and may also be liable for damages caused due to obstruction of a national highway.
In Conclusion
This incident at Kinnimulki Junction is more than just another traffic mishap — it's a cautionary tale about how poor design, unclear signage, and delayed response can paralyze a critical transport artery.
For now, the road is clear. But the need for smarter planning and coordinated traffic governance is more urgent than ever — especially in growing urban corridors like coastal Karnataka.
📍 Location: NH-66, Kinnimulki Junction, Udupi
📆 Incident Time: June 5, 2025 – Midday
🚧 Duration of Disruption: Approx. 5 hours
🛠 Recovery Team: Udupi Traffic Police & Private Tow Support