Daily traffic jams hit Belthangady amid incomplete highway work

Belthangady: Daily traffic jams between Belthangady and Guruvayanakere have been causing major trouble for commuters over the past week. Riders are getting stuck on the road for long hours under the hot sun, expressing frustration over the situation.

The problem is due to ongoing national highway work in the area, which is progressing slowly. It is reported that many workers have not returned after going to their hometowns to vote in elections, affecting the pace of work.

Traffic congestion is seen at all times between Belthangady town and Guruvayanakere, sometimes extending up to Maddadka and Ujire. Commuters are taking one to one-and-a-half hours to travel just four kilometres.

As road construction is ongoing, vehicles are currently allowed to pass through a narrow stretch. It is difficult for two vehicles to pass at the same time, leading to heavy congestion.

Commuters said the problem could have been avoided if a service road had been built first before starting the main road work.

Anger against contractor

People have expressed anger against the contractor, stating that incomplete work at multiple locations without finishing the town stretch quickly has worsened the situation. Some suggested that work should be carried out at night to complete it faster.

There are also concerns that if the work is not completed before the monsoon, the situation may become worse.

Major congestion points

Heavy traffic issues are reported at several locations:

• At Santekatte, both sides of the road have been dug up for construction, making it difficult for heavy vehicles to pass and causing jams.
• At Guruvayanakere junction, the road has not been widened, leading to frequent congestion for years.
• At Melantabettu curve, incomplete road work often results in traffic jams.

Parking adds to problem

Some motorists are parking vehicles on the roadside and going to shops and offices, adding to the congestion. There are demands to impose fines on such violations.

Delay affects events

With an increase in social functions, vehicles heading to such events are getting stuck in traffic. Many people are unable to reach on time and are forced to limit their plans.

Ambulances face difficulty

Patients from Belthangady are often taken to hospitals in Mangaluru for treatment. Due to traffic jams, ambulances are facing delays, which may risk lives.

Commuters struggle in heat

For the past week, commuters have been facing difficulties under the heat, especially those on two-wheelers. Police are managing traffic during morning and evening hours, but it becomes difficult even for them to stand in the afternoon sun, said a commuter, Chandrashekar.

Work slowed due to elections

Assistant Engineer of the highway division, Guru Prasad, said most workers are from Assam and Uttar Pradesh and have gone home for elections. Due to the shortage of workers, the work has slowed down. He added that efforts are being made to prevent traffic congestion and that work will speed up once workers return.