Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Sep 19: A new traffic regulation has come into effect for vehicles entering Dakshina Kannada (DK) district through the Charmadi Ghat section of the Bengaluru–Mangaluru National Highway, which connects Chikkamagaluru to the coast. As per the new rule, vehicles traveling at night are no longer being allowed to pass individually or in pairs. Instead, a minimum of five vehicles must move together before being permitted to proceed.

At the Kottigehara check post, all vehicles will be mandatorily inspected at night, and only after forming a group of five will they be allowed to continue. The rule has been introduced following rising complaints of cattle theft and other criminal activities in the dense forest stretch of the ghat.

To strengthen security, the existing barricade at the Kottigehara check post is being replaced with a new barrier. A police team led by a PSI will be deployed during night hours. Additionally, a mud road located about 1.5 km from the check post was reportedly being misused by cattle thieves. After consulting with locals, authorities have decided to construct a gate on this road, which will remain closed between 10 pm and 6 am. This new traffic regulation has already been enforced.

Officials noted that the system will also improve safety, given the frequent challenges on this route, such as thick fog, movement of wild elephants and other animals, falling trees that disrupt traffic, accidents, and the absence of mobile network coverage.

There is also a police check post at the Charmadi end, which functions 24/7. Vehicles heading towards Chikkamagaluru are inspected here as well. However, the rule requiring five vehicles to move together at night has not yet been implemented at this point.

“All vehicles passing through the Kottigehara check post will have their details recorded on CCTV and entered in police records,” said Chikkamagaluru SP Vikram Amathe.