Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegade has issued an order prohibiting a vehicular traffic ban (movement of heavy goods vehicles) on Agumbe Ghat on Thirthahalli-Malpe Road (National Highway 169A). According to Local 18 Kannda, the officer has taken this step, keeping in mind the threat of landslides which is exacerbated by the heavy rains.

The ban will be in effect from June 27 to September 15. The order was issued under section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Section 221(a)(2) of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Act, 1989. Only light vehicles will be allowed on the Thirthahalli – Malpe Road of NH 169A at Agumbe Ghat.

The heavy vehicles entering from Thirthahalli to Udupi, Karnataka are instructed to change the routes via the Thirthahalli-Mastikatte-Siddapura-Kundapura road. On the other hand, heavy vehicles moving from Udupi to Thirthahalli should take the Udupi-Kundapura-Siddapura-Mastikatte route.

To minimise the risks associated with potential landslides, ensure the safety of commuters and reduce damage, authorities urge all motorists to comply with the restriction. The authorities have also urged the motorists to use alternative routes as specified until the stipulated date.

The Kumta-Sirsi National Highway connecting the coastal town with the mountain region has also been closed for 4 months. According to the reports, it has been decided to ban traffic on the highway for four months due to the completion of pending work on the Kumta-Sirsi National Highway junction. This junction is being built at the Coastal Malenadu Link Road in Uttara Kannada district.

Kumta-Sirsi National Highway junction and National Highway-766 road construction is underway. National Highways Authority of India has started the construction of these roads under Bharatmala Pariyojana. There is still pending work in some areas under this scheme and the work has to be completed at a rapid pace starting from next October 15-2024. The highway will be completely closed till February 25 and the bridge and highway’s pending construction will be carried out. During this time, an order has been issued to provide alternative traffic arrangements.