Union govt. releases Rs 343.74 crore to upgrade Charmadi Ghat: Capt Brijesh Chowta

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 10, 2024: The Charmadi Ghat section of National Highway-73 in Karnataka’s Western Ghats is all set to undergo a major expansion plan, Dakshina Kannada MP, Capt. Brijesh Chowta said in a release.

The plan will cost a total of Rs 343.74 crore and is expected to modify the 11-kilometre route into a two-lane highway. With this development, interconnectivity between regions like Mudigere, Tumakuru and Mangalore will enhance. The construction work is expected to begin soon as the tendering process has been completed.

The project is likely to boost local commerce and trade logistics across the region. The upgrade aims to ease travel for residents of coastal districts and will also lead to smooth transportation of goods.

According to officials, the upgraded highway will help in improving connectivity between upghat regions like Hassan and Chikkamagaluru with Karnataka’s coastal areas. The expansion will also provide smoother travel to Bengaluru. Earlier, because of the narrow roads across Charmadi Ghat, traffic used to get congested and thus led to slowing down of traffic and goods movement. However, National Highway authorities have said that it is still unsure if the expanded route will directly benefit large shipments of spices and coffee which will come through the New Mangaluru Port.

Capt. Chowta extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and all the officials who are involved in the project. He also highlighted the strategic importance of this development as it will help in easing out the traffic and will make it a more reliable route for commuters.

Recently, to tackle the problem of over speeding Karnataka government has brought strict penalty rules. The state has decided to move beyond the traditional rules of imposing fines and has decided that anyone who will caught driving over the permit limit will have to face legal actions.