Condition of NH-275 between Madikeri & Sampaje deteriorates

MADIKERI: A proposal submitted by the National Highways' Authority of India (NHAI) towards upgrading the stretch of NH-275 connecting Kodagu with Dakshina Kannada appears to have gone unnoticed by the central government. Meanwhile, the condition of this road that passes through the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats continues to deteriorate, leaving motorists to endure a particularly uncomfortable, and worse, treacherous journey.
NHAI had sought approval to its plan that entails repair, and upgrade of the stretch between Madikeri in Kodagu and Sampaje in Dakshina Kannada at an estimated cost of Rs 164 crore. The primary objective of this plan is to secure the road against landslides, which are disturbingly common during the monsoon. NHAI's plan includes construction of retention walls at four spots on the road in the shape of the letter 'J', in addition to building cement-concrete walls at three places. To prevent inundation of the road, NHAI plans to develop a streamlined drainage system that will divert water away from the road. Comprehensive in scope, the proposal includes a plan for the construction of 21 retention walls at the Sampaje Ghat, and along the sections of the road between Bantwal and Mysuru. This, the NHAI hopes, will prove a permanent solution to the annual problem of landslides.
In addition to the aforementioned ambitious project, a proposal aimed at asphalting a 22-kilometre-long stretch of NH-275 is awaiting approval from the higher authorities. Asphalting of this stretch is estimated to cost Rs 24.3 crore. Meanwhile, the NHAI is being kept busy clearing debris piled up on the stretch of the highway between Madikeri and Sampaje. Sources said that the government was yet to disburse Rs 1.5 crore to the NHAI to complete pending work.
The Madikeri-Sampaje road is the only alternative to the Shiradi Ghat Road, which is closed to motorists during the monsoon. However, its significance as a key link road in the network appears to have been lost on the authorities concerned, who continue to drag their feet on sanctioning projects that can improve the condition of the stretch of the highway.