Haveri : Work on the long-delayed Haveri–Sirsi national highway remains stalled despite officials promising it would resume after the monsoon , leaving commuters, traders and tourists struggling with potholes, craters and unfinished stretches.
Approved for upgradation under Sagarmala project in late 2021, the route connects North Karnataka with Malnad and coastal regions. Work resumed around March 2025 after the issue was settled but halted again during the rains. Because of forest clearance disputes, construction stopped for nearly three years.
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Even tourists hesitate to travel on this road,” said Girish Bennur, a tourist taxi owner from Haveri. Despite assurances from representatives and senior officials in Haveri and Uttara Kannada, machinery had not returned by the last week of Oct. An inspection of the route found Hanumanakoppa–Sammasagi stretch in Haveri district badly damaged. Several incomplete sections between Dasanakoppa and Sirsi in Uttara Kannada continue to slow traffic and endanger riders, while dust from broken surfaces has raised health concerns among residents. Once a preferred route to Yellapur, Sirsi, Gokarna, Kumta and other religious, commercial and tourist destinations, the highway is now avoided by many motorists. They take longer diversions through Anavatti, Banavasi and Naalkara Cross, incurring additional fuel costs and travel time. Tourism to Malnad waterfalls, temples and coastal attractions has declined, affecting hotels, taxi operators and shops. Trade between North Karnataka and Malnad has also slowed, while petrol pumps, tea stalls, fruit sellers and roadside vendors report fewer customers. Residents in Haveri district have warned of a highway blockade if repairs are delayed further. “The terrible condition of Haveri–Sirsi highway has badly affected business as well. Residents have sought immediate patchwork and a firm schedule for completing the upgradation. Srinivas, project director, NHAI, Honnavar, was unavailable for comment. Download the TOI App.