Recurring Landslide on NH 69 Near Shivamogga Sparks Traffic Chaos and Safety Concerns
A major landslide at the underpass construction site on National Highway 69 between Tumkuru and Shivamogga has thrown vehicular movement into complete disarray, exposing deep-seated issues with the project's progress and planning. The incident occurred near Shimul Dairy in Machenahalli, located between Bhadravathi and Shivamogga, on Friday, severely disrupting one of Karnataka's key transport corridors.
Incomplete Safety Measures Blamed for Recurring Crisis
Local residents have alleged that the landslide is a direct result of authorities pushing forward with construction work despite incomplete safety protocols and inadequate planning. The crisis was intensified because only one side of the service road was operational, and this very stretch was hit by the landslide. The service road on the opposite side remains closed to the public due to significant delays in land acquisition processes, leaving commuters with no alternative routes.
As the primary artery for vehicles travelling between Shivamogga and Bengaluru, NH 69 experiences heavy traffic density. The landslide has left hundreds of commuters stranded, unable to move forward or turn back, leading to chaotic scenes near the underpass. Many drivers reported being stuck for hours, with no clear information from authorities about when normalcy would be restored.
Four-Year Underpass Project Remains Unfinished Amid Monsoon Fears
The underpass project, which commenced four years ago, remains incomplete, raising growing public concerns that the work may not be finished before the next monsoon season. This is not the first landslide at this location; following a previous incident, the area was temporarily reinforced with stones and soil. However, this makeshift solution proved ineffective as the earth gave way again under pressure.
There is now a persistent fear among locals and commuters that if heavy vehicles attempt to pass through the compromised section, the entire transport link could come to a total standstill. The slow pace of the four-lane NH 69 construction has been a long-standing grievance, and this latest incident has amplified frustrations over perceived negligence by contractors and government departments.
Public Outrage and Unanswered Questions
Frustrated by years of delays and recurring safety issues, the public has expressed severe outrage against the contractors and concerned government departments. Many are questioning the oversight mechanisms in place and demanding accountability for the repeated failures at the site.
Attempts to reach Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra and Shivamogga DC Prabhuling Kavalikatti for comments on the situation were unsuccessful, leaving commuters and residents without official reassurances or timelines for resolution. The lack of communication has only added to the growing anxiety about the project's future and the immediate risks to daily travel.
As the region braces for the upcoming monsoon, the unfinished underpass and vulnerable stretches of NH 69 pose a significant threat to connectivity and safety, underscoring the urgent need for accelerated and transparent infrastructure development in the area.
