Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Traffic Police have announced a month-long closure of a key stretch of the Mangaluru–Solapur National Highway 169 between Ganjimutt and Yedapadavu to facilitate urgent repair and restoration works by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The traffic restriction came into effect from February 10 and will remain in force for about a month. The closure is aimed at restoring the damaged carriageway along the Bikarnakatte–Sanur four-laning project corridor, where structural distress was reported during ongoing highway widening works.
The order has been issued by City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, who also serves as the Additional District Magistrate, in the interest of public safety and smooth execution of repair works.
Damaged stretch identified as high risk
According to officials, the affected portion falls between Muchhur Cross on the Ganjimutt side and Daddi Cross on the Yedapadavu side. The road surface in this section developed visible cracks and was reportedly on the verge of collapse after hill-cutting and alignment correction works were undertaken near Yedapadavu as part of the highway straightening project.
Authorities said the closure was necessary to prevent accidents and allow heavy machinery and engineering teams to carry out stabilisation and reconstruction without traffic interference.
The NHAI is executing four-laning works on the Bikarnakatte–Sanur stretch, and the damaged portion is considered critical for the continuity and safety of the upgraded corridor.
Diversion routes for buses and local vehicles
Traffic Police have issued detailed diversion plans based on vehicle categories to minimise disruption and congestion.
Route buses and local vehicles travelling between Mangaluru and Moodbidri are permitted to use the diversion via:
- Daddi Cross
- Pumar Padavu Cross
- Manjanakatte Cross
- Arjuna Kodi
- Eshwara Katte Cross
- Muchhur Cross
These diversions are intended mainly for passenger and short-distance local traffic.
Officials said traffic personnel will be deployed at key junctions along the diversion corridors to guide motorists and regulate vehicle movement.
Separate routes for heavy vehicles
Heavy goods vehicles and trucks will not be allowed on the closed stretch and have been directed to follow longer but safer alternate routes.
Trucks and other heavy vehicles travelling in both directions between Mangaluru and Moodbidri must use:
- Vidyagiri Cross
- Mulki Junction
- Surathkal route
All trucks operating between Mangaluru and Karkala have been specifically instructed to travel via Padubidri to avoid the restricted section completely.
Authorities said strict enforcement will be carried out, and violators may face penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act and relevant traffic control orders.
Options for light motor vehicles
Light motor vehicles have been given multiple diversion options depending on origin and destination. Permitted alternate routes include:
- Vidyagiri Cross – Moorkaveri – Kateel – Bajpe
- Pakshikere Cross – Haleyangadi – Surathkal
Traffic Police advised motorists to plan their journeys in advance, expect delays during peak hours, and follow on-ground signage and officer instructions.
NHAI targets restoration and pending works
NHAI officials stated that the one-month diversion window will be used not only to restore the damaged carriageway but also to complete pending four-laning works at the affected location.
An official said that while basic restoration of the existing damaged road surface could likely be completed within a fortnight, additional time has been requested to finish slope stabilisation, drainage correction and strengthening measures connected to the widened highway section.
Completing the pending works simultaneously is expected to reduce the need for repeated closures in the future.
Advisory to commuters
Authorities have urged daily commuters, transport operators and logistics companies to strictly adhere to the notified diversions and cooperate with enforcement staff. Emergency services will be given priority passage through designated routes where feasible.
With the NH-169 corridor serving as an important connectivity link between coastal and interior Karnataka, officials said coordinated traffic management and timely completion of repairs will be crucial to restoring normal flow at the earliest.