Shivamogga: Four months of heavy monsoon and cold weather that bring thick fog have transformed the Agumbe Ghat, along National Highway 169A that connects Thirthahalli to Malpe in Udupi, into a high-risk journey for commuters. The scenic ghat roads are a nightmare for commuters due to missing safety barriers, fading road markings and the constant threat of landslides.As vehicles enter Shivamogga district after passing Someshwar in Udupi, the roads are very narrow and fog sets in suddenly, dropping visibility very low. Drivers mostly rely on parking lights to drive. The descent from Agumbe toward the plains is particularly dangerous for light vehicles like cars and motorbikes, as any minor steering error or brake failure at turns lacking protective barriers can send vehicles plunging into gorges.Navigational aids such as white and yellow boundary lines have completely worn off across major stretches. The plastic radium road studs along the roads fail to reflect light properly, and a crucial 2-kilometre stretch at the top of the ghat lacks studs entirely.During the monsoon, strong winds frequently uproot trees onto the highway, leaving travellers waiting for hours for blockages to be cleared.Heavy machinery used for road levelling during summer leaves behind vibrations that loosen rocks. Also, following a major landslide at the 11th hairpin curve in 2022, soil is now slowly sliding at the sixth curve. Deep cracks appeared along the road shoulders due to clogged drains and 15-20-tonne trucks operating during the dry season.Regarding these concerns, Lokesh G, executive engineer for National Highways, said a Rs 14 crore development proposal has been submitted to improve the route along the jungle cutting and crash barrier installations where it is viable.However, PWD engineer HS Shashidhar clarified that while metal crash barriers are installed where they are necessary, placing a barrier at the vulnerable sixth hairpin curve is currently not feasible because buses would lack the required turning radius to negotiate the bend safely without road widening. “This structural limitation creates a terrifying experience for bus passengers sitting in front, as the front overhang of large buses hangs 3 to 4 feet out over the valley floor while manoeuvring tight bends,” he said. Due to this issue, locals, bus drivers and community leaders are seeking a solution.PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi recently inspected the site from both Shivamogga and Udupi sides. He said the department is coordinating with the forest department to get necessary approvals for a comprehensive road-widening project while also hinting at a tunnel proposal. However, the proposal has sparked debate among stakeholders. Environmental activists have questioned the ecological feasibility of a mega-tunnel project in the wake of disastrous landslides in Wayanad.Meanwhile, experts said standard road widening would require complete closure of the crucial route for at least two years.
