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Ban on vehicle movement along Sampaje-Madikeri highway

Sullia: In the backdrop of access being given to light vehicles to pass through Sampaje-Madikeri highway two days back, in a sudden u-turn, the district administration and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials have once again banned access for any type of vehicle along this highway.

Light vehicles were permitted to pass through since the temporary road had been created. But, this led to the creation of traffic jams along the highway and increase in spectators which hindered the road restoration work. Hence the ban had to be re-implemented.

The highway restoration work is in progress along Mangaluru and Madikeri limits, but traffic jams resulted due to the movement of light vehicles. Since light vehicles accessed the temporary road from both the sides, the traffic density along the road increased drastically. This only increased the trouble to the already tedious restoration works.

Official information

A report will be submitted to the Department officials after the highway is made fit for the passage of the public. Department officials will visit the location and inspect the road only after which official decision is taken to let the vehicles to pass through. Until then, passage of any type of vehicle remains forbidden, informed sources form the department.

Confused stand

After the temporary road was created and light vehicles were allowed to pass through, the highway department did not pose any objection to it. A few officials gave the perception that the temporary road created was fit for the movement of light vehicles. Though the district administration gave the permission, the Department which was responsible for the repair work did not give clear information on their clear stand. Since the department failed to take precautionary steps, the light vehicles passed through.

Hundreds of vehicles began to pass through the Ghat road, some coming with the excuse of sightseeing and busied themselves with clicking selfies. This led to the traffic jam along the entire ghat road. Later, the department became aware of the folly and asked the district administration to ban access to the ghat road under repair. On Saturday, scores of vehicles stood in line the entire length of the road. Many of the vehicles had to return back since there was no thoroughfare.