Kalladka’s Fall: Once bustling market now swallowed by construction

Bantwal – “What has become of Kalladka?” This is the question on everyone’s mind as they pass through the once-bustling area.

Kalladka was previously a typical small town, famous for landmarks like K.T. of Kalladka, Sri Rama School, and its striking mosque. It was a thriving business hub. However, with the start of the B.C. Road-Addahole highway construction, the once-busy Kalladka has become unrecognizable. The 2.5 km-long flyover has engulfed the entire Kalladka market. Many now wonder if such a large flyover was really necessary.

Numerous buildings have been demolished, and many have had to give up their land. But what did the residents receive in return? A chain of problems.

For the past three years, the people of Kalladka have endured harsh living conditions due to the construction chaos. Locals lament, “Just passing through Kalladka has become a nightmare!” Some even joke, “Once you’re stuck in Kalladka, you’re done for.”

Kalladka: Now a Target for Trolls

The ongoing highway construction has left Kalladka in disarray, casting a negative image on the town. Already a topic for online trolls, Kalladka is now synonymous with slush during rains and dust during summers.

While temporary inconveniences during construction are expected, outsiders driving by in air-conditioned cars might suggest that life will be better once the project is completed. However, for those who depend on Kalladka for their daily livelihood, the struggle is very real.

Mud and Dust: Endless Woes

The highway is filled with mud, making it difficult for pedestrians to walk. When it’s sunny, the air is thick with dust. Trenches dug along the roads have caused artificial flooding during rains. Fields and courtyards have been filled with debris from the construction. Former inner roads have been dug up, leaving muddy paths where vehicles risk getting stuck.

Some homes and shops are now without access roads. Parking is almost impossible. If vehicles are parked under the flyover, by evening they are either covered in mud or dust. Motorcyclists are often splashed with mud by passing vehicles. There are no proper bus stops, and auto rickshaws are left to stand in the mud.

Children Struggle Through Mud

With several educational institutions in Kalladka, schoolchildren are forced to wade through mud to cross the highway every day. Watching children struggle to avoid getting their feet stuck in the slush is disheartening. Yet, nothing has been done to alleviate their situation. The contractor should at least show some compassion for these students.

Traffic Police Have Their Own Woes

Traffic jams are now frequent due to the slow-moving vehicles, forcing the deployment of traffic police all day long. The police are left standing by the muddy roads from morning till evening.

The Future: Will Kalladka Ever Return to Its Old Glory?

The people of Kalladka have sacrificed much for this flyover, losing their land, shops, and businesses. But even after the flyover is completed, life may not return to what it was before. The flyover, which is 2.1 km long, will bypass the town completely, not touching either of Kalladka’s main markets. In the past, tourists would stop by and shop at the local stores. But in the future, there will be no stops, and the shops are now difficult to access. Some houses now have the highway right at their doorsteps. The land is gone, and nothing will bring it back!

Translated version of Kannada report by Kiran Sarpadi
Photos by: Satish Ira