Udupi: A sum of ₹15 crore has been sanctioned from the Central Road Fund (CRF) for urgent repair and safety improvement works at Agumbe Ghat, while roads across the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency have received ₹119 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for development and maintenance projects, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary announced.

The MP made the announcement after inspecting Agumbe Ghat along with officials from the Forest Department and the National Highways Authority. The visit was conducted in response to public complaints regarding frequent traffic congestion, road erosion and safety concerns along the ghat section.

Safety measures planned at Agumbe Ghat

During the inspection, Kota Srinivas Poojary said immediate measures have been planned to improve traffic movement and ensure the safety of motorists using the ghat road.

Officials have been instructed to construct protective barricades along nearly 1,000 metres of vulnerable stretches at various bends where erosion and road instability have become major concerns. Repair works to address road damage and slope failures will be undertaken immediately after the monsoon season.

The MP noted that Agumbe Ghat has witnessed increasing pressure from traffic in recent years, making urgent intervention necessary to prevent accidents and further deterioration of the road.

Rising traffic raises concerns

Officials informed the MP that traffic volume on Agumbe Ghat has increased significantly due to restrictions imposed on vehicular movement through the adjacent Hulikal Ghat route connecting Udupi and Shivamogga districts.

They also pointed out that despite existing restrictions, heavy vehicles transporting construction materials continue to use the route. The movement of such vehicles has raised concerns about landslides, road damage and instability in several sections of the ghat.

Authorities expressed concern that continued heavy movement during the monsoon could worsen the condition of the road and increase the risk of slope failures.

Tunnel and road widening proposal gains momentum

As a long-term solution to recurring problems at Agumbe Ghat, the proposal for constructing a tunnel route and widening the existing road into a two-lane carriageway is being actively pursued.

The proposal was earlier put forward by Shivamogga MP B Y Raghavendra. According to officials, tenders have already been invited for the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Kota directed National Highways officials to complete the tender process within two weeks based on the feasibility report and expedite the planning process.

The MP also urged highway authorities to advise district administrations to regulate the movement of heavy vehicles during the monsoon season to minimise the risk of road collapse and landslides.

In addition, he instructed officials to submit proposals through the PARIVESH portal to secure forest clearance for road widening beyond the eighth bend of the ghat section.

Officials participate in inspection

Several officials accompanied the MP during the inspection visit. Those present included Agumbe Wildlife Range Forest Officer Rupesh Chouhan, Hebri Forest Officer Chidanandappa of Someshwara Wildlife Range, National Highways Executive Engineer Naveen and Assistant Engineer Shashidhar.

The officials reviewed vulnerable stretches of the road and discussed immediate as well as long-term measures required to improve connectivity and safety.

₹119 crore sanctioned for road development

In a separate announcement, Kota Srinivas Poojary said that ₹119 crore has been sanctioned for the repair, strengthening and development of 18 Public Works Department roads across the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru parliamentary constituency.

Major allocations include ₹6 crore each for the Kundapur-Byndoor-Virajpet road and the Udupi-Hiriadka-Karkala-Subrahmanya road. Another ₹10 crore has been sanctioned for Barkur road development, while ₹5 crore has been allocated for the Brahmavar-Jannadi road.

Additional funds have been sanctioned for roads in Brahmavar, Hebri and Karkala taluks, including the Shirur-Kokkarne-Santekatte road, Aroor-Munninjaddu-Kokkarne road, Thirthahalli-Kundapur road, Muniyalu-Kabbinale road, Atrado-Mangaluru road, Naravi-Mangaluru road and the Kuntady-Halekatte-Kemmannu MDR road.

In Chikkamagaluru district, major allocations include ₹50 crore for the Balehonnur-Sringeri road and ₹6 crore each for the Koppa-Jayapura-Sringeri road, Begur Gate-Arehalli-Macheri road, Seethalayyanagiri-Mullayyanagiri road, Balur Hand Post-Kalasa road and the Bagalkote-Biligiriranganabetta road.

Conclusion

The sanction of ₹15 crore for Agumbe Ghat repairs and ₹119 crore for road development projects across the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru constituency is expected to significantly improve road safety, connectivity and infrastructure in the region. With immediate repair works planned and long-term solutions such as road widening and tunnel construction under consideration, authorities hope to address persistent transportation challenges faced by residents and commuters.