Despite no rain, Agumbe Ghat riddled with potholes, crippling vehicular movement

…during the torrential 2025 rainy season just before the onset of the current monsoon season. However, within three months, the bitumen concrete on these bends was washed away leaving behind huge craters and potholes. “ Driving through the ghat is a nightmarish experience ,” says Krishnappa, who drives a mini bus between Mangaluru and Shivamogga through the ghat. Potholes and craters slows down the speed of vehicle thereby causing frequent traffic snarls on the ghat. It is another matter…

…matter that the vehicular traffic through Agumbe Ghat has increased manifolds during recent times, Mr. Krishnappa said. Sebastian Francis, who travels between Udupi and Tirthahalli on a regular basis in his car, said, “ At times, it takes more than 45 minutes to cross the 9-km ghat stretch because of the pathetic condition of the road and heavy traffic. The authorities concerned should provide a permanent solution to this recurring problem.” Performance-based contract On September 15, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary said the Union Road…

…heavy traffic. The authorities concerned should provide a permanent solution to this recurring problem.” Performance-based contract On September 15, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary said the Union Road Transport Ministry has sanctioned ₹72 crore for the upkeep of NH 169A between Hebri and Agumbe (about 20 km), including Agumbe Ghat. A senior NH-PWD engineer told The Hindu that tenders would soon be invited to award a performance-based maintenance contract (PBMC) to maintain the 20-km stretch for five years. At present, a short-term maintenance…