Finally, Shiradi Ghat opens for heavy vehicles

Puttur: With the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials submitting a report deeming the Shiradi Ghat stretch along the Mangaluru-Bengaluru highway fit for usage by heavy vehicles, the district administration has thrown open the Ghat for the passage of heavy vehicles from Thursday morning, August 2^nd.

According to the information from the police department, the barricades preventing the passage of heavy vehicles along the stretch at Mani and Gundya have been removed. Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil had already sent an order on opening the Ghat for heavy vehicles on Wednesday itself.  Thus, the opening of the Ghat has reduced the vehicle density along the Mani-Mysuru-Sampaje Ghat, who condition was fast deteriorating

From January 15^th, vehicular movement was banned along the Shiradi Ghat stretch for concreting from Addahole to Kempuholey. Though the work required 18 months, in a laudable effort the contractor Ocean Constructions, finished the road in a mere 6 months.

On July 15^th, PWD Minister H D Revanna inaugrated the almost completed road and passage was permitted for two-wheelers, four-wheelers and tempo travellers. However, passage of heavy vehicles was banned.

Pending work

There is still minor work pending along the road which is expected to be completed soon. Reflectors and sheets have been used in areas where the retainer wall has collapsed. Mud remains to be filled on the edge of the concrete road for a 3km stretch.