Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Apr 13: Vehicular movement has been temporarily prohibited along the Balebare Ghat stretch on State Highway-52 after a fresh landslide posed serious safety concerns.

According to an official release, the incident occurred on April 9 during ongoing road widening and retaining wall construction works. A portion of land beneath the existing concrete road, located approximately 12 metres above, caved in again—this time up to a width of about five feet. As a result, visible cracks have developed at several points on the road surface.

Considering public safety, district magistrate and deputy commissioner Swarup T K has issued an order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with Rule 221(a)(2) & (5) of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to completely restrict traffic movement through the Balebare Ghat stretch. The ban will remain in place until the ongoing protective works at the hairpin bend in the Hulikal Ghat section are completed.

Alternate routes announced

Authorities have advised commuters to use the following alternative routes:

• Thirthahalli to Kundapur via SH-52: Vehicles traveling from Thirthahalli–Rave–Kanugodu–Mastikatte–Hulikal Ghat–Hosangadi–Siddapur should instead take the route via Thirthahalli–Rave–Kanugodu–Nagara–Kollur–Kundapur.

• Nagara–Siddapur SH-278 route: Vehicles heading from Thirthahalli towards Kundapur via Hulikal Ghat (Thirthahalli–Yedur–Sulugodu–Mastikatte–Hulikal–Hosangadi–Siddapur) should travel via Thirthahalli–Yedur–Mastikatte–Kanugodu–Nagara–Kollur–Kundapur.

• Shivamogga/Sagar towards Kundapur: Vehicles traveling via Hosanagara (Hosanagara–Nagara–Mastikatte–Hulikal Ghat–Hosangadi–Siddapur) are advised to use the Shivamogga–Honnavar National Highway, and then proceed via Honnavar–Bhatkal–Byndoor–Kundapur.

The district administration has urged the public to cooperate with the restrictions and follow the designated alternative routes until the repair and safety works are fully completed.