Udupi: The movement of light vehicles has been permitted on the Balebare Ghat stretch of State Highway-52 connecting Thirthahalli and Kundapur following the completion of partial restoration work on a damaged section of the road. Udupi deputy commissioner Swaroop T K has issued an order allowing vehicular movement on the route to ease travel for commuters and transport operators.
The decision comes after traffic restrictions were imposed on the ghat road due to damage caused by heavy rainfall at the end of May. Authorities have now restored the affected stretch sufficiently to facilitate the movement of buses, passenger vehicles and light goods vehicles.
Road was closed after soil slip damaged highway
The Balebare (Hulikal) Ghat road had been closed to all categories of vehicles after intense rainfall triggered a soil slip beneath the concrete road surface.
The damage occurred at a hairpin bend between chainage 42.10 and 42.20 on State Highway-52, creating safety concerns for motorists travelling through the ghat section. Following inspections by concerned departments, authorities imposed restrictions on traffic movement to prevent accidents and facilitate repair work.
The closure affected commuters and transport services using the important route connecting coastal Udupi district with Shivamogga district through the Western Ghats.
Restoration work completed on affected stretch
Authorities have undertaken restoration measures at the damaged location to stabilise the road and make it safe for limited traffic movement.
According to officials, a retaining wall has been constructed up to road level at the affected hairpin bend. Earth filling was subsequently carried out, and lean concrete was laid over the damaged section to strengthen the roadway and restore connectivity.
The repair work was taken up on a priority basis considering the importance of the route for daily commuters, public transport services and the movement of essential goods.
Officials will continue to monitor the condition of the road, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season, to ensure the safety of road users.
Permission granted for buses and light vehicles
Taking public convenience into account, the district administration has now permitted the movement of buses, passenger vehicles and light goods vehicles along the ghat road.
The order issued by Deputy Commissioner Swaroop T K allows these categories of vehicles to use the route following the completion of restoration work. The decision is expected to provide relief to residents, travellers and transport operators who were affected by the earlier restrictions.
Heavy vehicles, however, may continue to face restrictions depending on road conditions and further assessments by authorities.
Shivamogga administration had issued similar order
The Shivamogga district administration had already granted permission for light vehicle movement on the Balebare Ghat road, recognising the improvements made to the damaged section.
With both district administrations now permitting limited vehicular movement, travel between Kundapur and Thirthahalli is expected to become more convenient for the public.
The route serves as an important link between the coastal and Malnad regions and is frequently used by passengers, traders and transport operators.
Road falls under Kundapur PWD subdivision
According to the order issued by the Udupi deputy commissioner, the ghat stretch between chainage 44.60 and 53.00 on State Highway-52 falls under the jurisdiction of the Kundapur subdivision of the Public Works Department.
Authorities have stated that permission for vehicle movement has been granted from June 15 onwards to facilitate passenger transportation and restore normal connectivity as much as possible.
The Public Works Department will continue to assess the stability of the repaired section and undertake additional measures if required during the monsoon period.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Balebare Ghat road to buses, passenger vehicles and light goods vehicles marks a significant step towards restoring normal traffic movement between Kundapur and Thirthahalli. While authorities have completed essential restoration work, continuous monitoring of the road condition will remain crucial as the monsoon season progresses.