Malingaraya Pujar
CH NEWS
The Gadag-Lakshmeswar stretch of the Kaiga-Ilkal State Highway has become a serious danger for motorists, with large potholes making travel difficult and unsafe. The road connects important areas of North Karnataka and serves as a key route for daily commuters. However, its present condition has left many people wondering whether they are travelling on a state highway, a village road, or even a farm path. Residents say the deteriorating road has caused frustration for years, while authorities have failed to provide a lasting solution.
The 40-kilometre journey between Lakshmeswar and Gadag city now takes several hours because of the damaged surface. According to residents, only about 14 kilometres were repaired last year following strong public protests, while the remaining 26 kilometres continue to be filled with dangerous potholes. Earlier repair work has also failed to last. Patches laid at considerable cost reportedly peel away after the monsoon, exposing the same old potholes and creating fresh problems for commuters.
The poor road affects much more than private vehicles. School and college buses, tractors carrying farm produce, public transport vehicles and ambulances regularly use the route. Potholes make it difficult to transport pregnant women and seriously ill patients to hospitals. Regular motorcycle riders complain of back and hip pain, while minor accidents are frequently reported, particularly at night. Bus services have also suffered, as vehicles from distant depots are reportedly reluctant to operate on the damaged stretch, affecting travel and business between Gadag and Lakshmeswar.
Residents are questioning promises that the road will be upgraded to a National Highway. They allege that officials have relied on the proposed upgrade as a reason for delaying permanent repairs. They also criticised political leaders for promising action during elections but failing to return after winning. Commuters have demanded that officials, ministers and legislators inspect the road immediately and release funds for permanent asphalting of the remaining stretch.
Chandrakant Chavan, State General Secretary of Jaya Karnataka Sangathan, warned that the potholes must be closed and the road permanently asphalted without delay. He said commuters would launch a strong protest by blocking the highway if authorities failed to act soon. Residents said repairing the route would improve safety, transport, agriculture and local trade, making the long-neglected highway safer for everyone.