Shiradi likely to be opened for buses in Oct; Rs 250-cr proposal for Charmadi road repair

Mangaluru, Sept 21: The Shiradi Ghat on Mangaluru–Bengaluru national highway is likely to be opened for heavy vehicles in the second week of October.

Sasikanth Senthil S, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada has clarified that the ghat road will not be opened for buses and trucks for at least another two weeks because of safety issues.

To a question at a press conference here on Thursday, he said the government was seized of the inconvenience being caused to people by not allowing buses on the ghat stretch. But safety of passengers was more important than opening the ghat stretch for heavy vehicles in a hurry, he said.

He said a meeting of highway engineers would be conducted before taking a decision on allowing heavy vehicles on the stretch affected by landslips. Buses and trucks would be allowed after ensuring safety of travel, he said.

The DC said a Rs 250 crore proposal was before the government for the restoration of the battered Charmadi Ghat stretch of Mangaluru–Mudigere–Chikkamagaluru national highway. It includes widening of the highway at certain stretches.

The government was yet to formally approve the proposal though it has agreed in principle. The Deputy Commissioner said nothing could be said now on when the Sampaje Ghat stretch of Mangaluru–Mysuru national highway would be opened for light motor vehicles and heavy vehicles.