Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner and the Superintendent of Police took the officials of the National Highways (NH) and Public Works Department (PWD) to task ‘for not seriously attending to the primary necessities at Charmadi Ghat stretch, including the consolidation work’.
As of now, Charmadi Ghat – which has 20 sharp curves and 11 hairpin bends – is bearing the brunt of a heavy vehicle flow after the closure of the Shiradi Ghat.
Chairing a follow up meeting at the DC’s office on Tuesday, DC A.B Ibrahim expressed displeasure, after National Highway officials briefed about the works undertaken at the stretch.
“Despite holding several preparatory meetings, the National Highways have not worked on the Charmadi Ghat issue. Our proceedings are not met. No precautionary measures are taken. Sign boards, speed regulators and the basic amenities are still not in place”, Mr. Ibrahim told the chief of PWD, Karnataka over phone, when the subordinates did not come out with proper answers.
When Mr. Hanif told that the department has placed over 20 sign boards and at least 5 informatory boards, Dr. Sharanappa said that these boards are a drop in the sea. It’s over 70 kms from Mangaluru to Charmadi Ghat. If those boards don’t help maximum number of commuters, what’s the use”, he asked.
Dr. Sharanappa said that the stretch is prone to accidents. Buses may topple down anytime. It’s our sheer luck that nothing has happened. It’s not that you have taken any measures. If you don’t understand the seriousness of the issue, we will do it, he told the NH officials.
Hence, DC decided to immediately release Rs 5 lakh from the Natural Calamity Relief Fund to carry out important work at the stretch. Dr. Sharanappa said that the fund will be used to renovate the existing police out post, place more sign boards and road mirrors at important curves. We will do it in a minimum possible time”, he told reporters.
Earlier, DC asked the NH officials to keep a crane ready at Sampaje round the clock for any emergency purposes. While, Mr. Hanif said that there are two more cranes at the Charmadi Ghat, which is operated by private handlers for commercial use. DC asked to keep the crane available for free of cost.
At present, KSRTC Mangaluru and Chikmagaluru depots are providing 300 trips of ordinary and express buses on Charmadi route. The number of trips by private buses too is in the three digits. Apart from this, six-wheel trucks were allowed to ply on Charmadi Ghat.
