Daijiworld Media Network - Hebri

Hebri, Sep 21: Vehicular movement on the Agumbe Ghat resumed on September 20 at 1 pm after being completely halted for nearly 18 hours due to a massive tree that fell along with soil on a moving pickup vehicle at the sixth curve of the ghat.

The incident occurred on September 19 evening around 6:30 pm, when a tree and debris from a hillside collapse blocked the ghat road. As it was late in the evening, clearance work could not be taken up immediately. On Saturday morning, officials began removing the fallen trees and mud covering the road. After continuous efforts for about 18 hours, traffic was restored by Saturday afternoon.

During the disruption, Hebri police and Agumbe station police managed two check posts, diverting vehicles to alternative routes.

The closure caused hardship for patients who needed urgent treatment at Manipal Hospital, forcing them to take a longer detour via Teerthahalli–Masti Katte–Siddapur.

Agumbe Ghat has witnessed frequent traffic jams and blockages in the past due to falling trees, landslides, and damaged retaining walls. The narrow, winding stretch often becomes heavily congested during weekends.

With the completion of the national highway stretch between Udupi and Hebri, more travelers are now opting to use Agumbe Ghat to reach Shivamogga, leading to increased vehicle density. For those heading to Bengaluru, the route via Shivamogga is shorter, further adding to traffic. Locals have expressed concerns that if the situation continues, accidents and landslides could increase, and they have urged authorities to widen the ghat road at the earliest.