Industries feeling the heat from frequent Shiradi Ghat closure

Mangaluru: Industries operating in the coastal district are facing the brunt of the frequent traffic disruptions and closure of Shirdi Ghat section of the National Highway 75.

The landslide at Donigal has prompted the district administration to stop all vehicle movement on the hilly terrain.  Following this, the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed concerns that import-export activities from the port city and the supply of LPG and agricultural goods will be hampered due to the ghat closure.

KCCI President Shshidhar Pai Maroor said that the organization had warned that goods handled at the port in Mangaluru could be diverted to other ports along the coast due to the non-maintenance and frequent disruptions on the NH 75 connecting the hinterland with the seaport. “Who should we blame for this recurrent issue?” he asked.

KCCI has been petitioning the government, its ministers, and public officials to rectify the worsening situation on Shiradi Ghat road. No action has been initiated to remedy the situation, he said.

Further, he added that the alternative routes suggested, via Charmadi and Sampaje Ghats, are not suitable for long Chassis trailer trucks used for good s transport.