The project covers development of the road from 32 km to 45 km
Chikkamagaluru: A Rs 272-crore project to restore the 45-km direct road link between Chikkamagaluru and NR Pura has hit a hurdle, with forest department yet to permit a survey through Bhadra wildlife zone. The project covers development of the Chikkamagaluru-N R Pura road from 32 km to 45 km. Its cost is estimated at Rs 272 crore under the 2023-24 List of Prices for 2026-27. Before Bhadra dam was built, the 45-km road through Saarya, Koosgal, Karukana Mane, Dabbaru, Kanchala Mane and Siruvase was the shortest link to the district headquarters. Connectivity was lost after a 13-km stretch through Sarya-Kusgal was submerged. People now travel 105 km from Chikkamagaluru to NR Pura taluk headquarters through Vastare-Aldur-Balehonnur, taking three hours. The proposed road would reduce the journey to 45 km and one hour.
“We are yet to receive permission,” PWD executive engineer Divakar said. PWD requires the survey to prepare a detailed project report.
More than one lakh people in over 30 villages are expected to benefit. The 13-km section is planned as a 3.75-metre-wide single-lane road. Because the alignment is submerged, two major bridges are required.
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PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi said he would speak to forest minister Ramalinga Reddy and had directed officials to submit a clearance proposal. Sringeri MLA TD Rajegowda said a meeting involving district in-charge minister KJ George and the PWD and forest ministers would be convened, adding that work would begin soon. These include villages under Menasuru, Kadihinabylu, Sithooru, Kanaburu, Aduvalli and Honnekudige gram panchayats. The road would also connect Koppa, Sringeri and villages in Shivamogga district to Chikkamagaluru headquarters. Two alternative alignments have been proposed, both starting from Chikkamagaluru through Joldal, Talihalla, Jakkanahalli, Mallanduru and Muttodi. One proceeds through Kesave, Hippla, Hebbe, Kossl and Surya, while the other passes through Somavahini bridge, Galigudde, Kalavase, Arunoday, Konkal Mane and Dabbaru to Surya. The common route then runs through Mavinakodige, Morimath Circle, Honnekodige and Bhadra reservoir bridge, via Halemakodu-Ravoor road, to NR Pura. Villagers currently depend on a bridge near Handooru and have urged the chief minister to sanction two more bridges at Kollehalla near Surya and Kodi. However, the forest department has not allowed a survey as it passes through Bhadra wildlife zone. Download the TOI App.