At a time when Shiradi Ghat, a vital link between the coastal region and the hinterland, is proposed to be closed for reconstruction for six months from December 15, the Agumbe Ghat, identified as one of the alternative routes for light vehicles, is also set for closure for three months from December 21.
As a result, vehicles from Mangaluru and Udupi bound for Shivamogga, Bengaluru, Sringeri and Chikkamagaluru would have to take a detour either via Karkala-S.K. Border-Sringeri/ Kudremukh (Mala Ghat) or Siddapura-Hosangadi-Masthikatte-Thirthahalli/ Hosanagara (Balebare Ghat) to reach their destination.
The 2.4-km stretch of Agumbe Ghat falling within Shivamogga district is proposed for reconstruction at a cost of about Rs. 10 crore. Though the authorities had laid a concrete stretch on the road that has seven sharp hair-pin curves, concrete has worn out at many places making motoring difficult.
B.S. Balakrishna, Superintending Engineer, Public Works Department, Shivamogga, told The Hindu that the Agumbe Ghat (State Highway 65 connecting Malpe-Molakalmuru via Thirthahalli) would soon become part of the National Highway. The State government intended to make the ghat stretch motorable before it was handed over to the National Highways division of the Public Works Department, he said.
He said that work is set to commence on December 21 and that the ghat would remain closed for three months. However, considering the closure of Shiradi Ghat too during the same period, he would raise the issue with the Public Works Department headquarters, Mr. Balakrishna said.
Meanwhile, C. Nataraj, Executive Engineer of Public Works Department’s National Highways division at Mangaluru, said that the closure of Agumbe Ghat might not have an impact on smooth movement of vehicles as heavy vehicles are not allowed on the ghat anyway. Other vehicles could take either the Balebare Ghat (via Hosangadi) or the Mala Ghat (via Karkala and S.K. Border), and even the Charmadi Ghat, he said. Besides driving a longer distance, those taking the Mala Ghat to Sringeri and Chikkamagaluru have to negotiate the pothole-ridden single-lane road between S.K. Border and Kerekatte. Driving becomes awful, particularly for small vehicles, as the road shoulders are at least a foot below the edge on this single-lane stretch.
