Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jul 15: Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Tuesday conducted an on-site inspection of the Agumbe Ghat Road along with a team of officials to assess the feasibility of undertaking comprehensive development works on the crucial route connecting the Malnad, semi-Malnad, plains and coastal regions.

The minister reviewed the existing condition of the road and discussed the scope for widening, construction of retaining walls and other improvement works with engineers. He noted that the Agumbe Ghat serves as one of the shortest and most important links between the Malnad and coastal regions, with a large number of light vehicles and mini buses using the route. The road is also extensively used by people from the hilly region to access better healthcare and educational facilities.

Jarkiholi said that widening work is required at several locations, including the entrance to the ghat from the Shivamogga side and around the 5th, 6th and 7th hairpin bends.

Speaking about the proposed Agumbe tunnel project, he said that tenders have been invited twice for the preparation of the project blueprint, but no agency has come forward. He observed that the construction of the tunnel would be extremely expensive and added that similar Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been prepared over the past 70 years without being implemented.

The minister also sought detailed information from officials on scientific measures required to prevent landslides and ensure safe and smooth traffic movement during the monsoon season.

Referring to the recent landslide on the Balebare Ghat Road, where heavy vehicles have been prohibited, he said the diversion of traffic through Agumbe Ghat, coupled with heavy rain and the narrow road, has increased public concern over road safety. He assured that essential repair and strengthening works would be taken up on the Agumbe Ghat Road, which is also a major tourist attraction in Shivamogga district.

Minister Jarkiholi pointed out that landslides occur at several places along the ghat every year during the monsoon, leading to road closures. Permanent engineering solutions would be worked out in consultation with technical experts, he added.

He further stated that the proposed development works have faced hurdles as the road passes through forest and wildlife areas. To resolve these issues, a high-level meeting involving senior officials of the Public Works and Forest Departments will be convened in Bengaluru to finalise the road development plan and expedite the project.

Commenting on the monsoon, the minister said that rainfall this season has so far remained below normal. However, the water received until now would be sufficient to meet drinking water requirements until June next year. He cautioned that if there is no rainfall within the next ten days, standing crops may suffer damage.

Minister Jarkiholi also highlighted that more than 600 footbridges have been constructed across the district to improve connectivity for residents of forest-fringe villages. Of these, over 60 footbridges have been built in Hebri taluk alone, and work on another 30 footbridges will be taken up in the coming days.

He noted that roads under the Public Works Department frequently develop potholes due to rain and other factors, and said repair works are being carried out on priority. He instructed engineers to complete all ongoing development projects in the district at the earliest for public use.

During the visit, local residents submitted a memorandum requesting the minister to recommend the widening of the National Highway from Hebri Kelapete to the Police Quarters Road into a four-lane stretch. They pointed out that heavy traffic has increased significantly due to the ongoing construction of NH-169A (Udupi–Hebri Road) and the movement of vehicles on the Shivamogga–Hebri–Manipal–Udupi–Malpe route, resulting in daily congestion at the Hebri Circle and causing inconvenience to motorists, ambulances, pedestrians and schoolchildren.

Former Minister and Thirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra, local leader Muniyalu Uday Kumar Shetty, engineers from the National Highways Department and other officials were present during the inspection.