Villagers from Khanapur taluk have urged the Public Works Minister to intervene and repair the rapidly deteriorating Belagavi–Chorla highway
CH News
Belagavi
Residents of Kanakumbi, Kalmani, Jamboti, and Kusmali in Khanapur taluk have urged Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi to revisit Kanakumbi and inspect the Belagavi–Chorla highway, which has fallen into disrepair barely three months after its completion. Local leaders, gram panchayat members, and villagers from Kanakumbi, Amate, Paravada, and Jamboti alleged that poor-quality work and negligence by contractors and officials have rendered the road unsafe.
During summer, the minister himself had travelled along this stretch and expressed satisfaction. But now, the road has completely deteriorated. Daily accidents occur, and trucks often break down mid-way, leading to traffic jams. When the minister visits Kanakumbi, we will demand action against the negligent contractors and officials, including criminal cases, the villagers said. Amate Gram Panchayat President Saraswati Bharanakar accused officials of misreporting the project’s progress. Though records claim the road was double-coated with asphalt, that a new bridge was built across the Malaprabha river, and that markings and drainage were provided, none of this exists on the ground.
From Bailur Cross to Ranakunde, no real work has been done. White stripes are missing, drains are absent, and recent rains have already peeled off the top layer in several stretches, she alleged. The 43-km stretch between Ranakunde and Chorla is said to be 90 percent complete, with some pending works delayed due to monsoon. Contractors will be directed to finish the remaining works after the rains, assured MLA Vittal Halagekar.
However, villagers and students lamented that the poor quality has turned the much-anticipated inter-state link between Karnataka and Goa into a nightmare. The road has no proper drainage despite being in a heavy rainfall zone. With no gravel shoulders, waterlogging is routine, and deep potholes force vehicles into dangerous swerves, causing frequent accidents. Minister, please repair this road at the earliest and save lives, the villagers appealed.
