Hulikal Ghat Closed for Traffic; Shivamogga Administration Issues Advisory
In a decisive move to ensure public safety, the district administration has banned the movement of all vehicles on Hulikal Ghat (State Highway 52) following a recent landslide that resulted in the tragic death of three people.
According to an official notification issued by Abhishek V., Additional Deputy Commissioner of Shivamogga, the ghat section has been declared unsafe for vehicular movement after a mound of soil collapsed on April 9. The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the stretch, which had already witnessed multiple landslides during the previous monsoon season.
Officials stated that a protective retaining wall project had been initiated earlier to mitigate landslide risks in the region. However, despite ongoing efforts, fresh soil movement has raised serious safety concerns. “At present, the road stretch is not suitable for vehicle movement. Until the ongoing protective works are completed, traffic has been completely prohibited,” the notification said, citing recommendations from the Chief Engineer (Communication and Building), Central Zone.
Complete Traffic Ban and Safety Measures
The administration has imposed a total ban on all categories of vehicles, including private, commercial, and public transport, on the Hulikal Ghat stretch. Authorities emphasized that the restriction is temporary but necessary to prevent further loss of life and ensure uninterrupted progress of safety works.
Officials are closely monitoring the situation, especially considering the region’s susceptibility to landslides during periods of heavy rainfall. Engineering teams are working on stabilizing the terrain and accelerating the construction of protective infrastructure.
Alternative Routes Announced for Public Convenience
To minimize inconvenience to commuters and transporters, the administration has outlined alternative travel routes:
Vehicles previously using the Tirthahalli – Rave – Kanugodu – Mastikatte – Hulikal Ghat – Hosangadi – Siddapur – Kundapur route are now advised to travel via
Tirthahalli – Rave – Kanugodu – Nagara – Kollur – Kundapur
Commuters traveling along Tirthahalli – Yadur – Sulagodu – Hulikal Ghat – Siddapur – Kundapur can opt for
Tirthahalli – Yadur – Mastikatte – Kanugodu – Nagara – Kollur – Kundapur
Vehicles from Shivamogga/Sagar – Hosanagar – Nagara – Mastikatte – Hulikal Ghat – Hosangadi – Siddapur – Kundapur are being redirected to
Shivamogga – Honnavara National Highway – Bhatkal – Byndoor – Kundapur
