Trade and tourism between Uttara Kannada and Haveri districts have taken a severe hit due to the incomplete and badly deteriorated Haveri-Sirsi national highway upgrade. Traders and transporters report daily losses of lakhs of rupees as the road condition worsens.
Key corridor in poor state
The Haveri-Sirsi road, a vital corridor linking North Karnataka with the Malnad and coastal areas, has become increasingly difficult for motorists over the past five to six years. Potholes and damaged stretches have made travel hazardous, affecting trade, tourism, healthcare access, and rural mobility.
Impact on tourism and travel
Travellers from North Karnataka, who once preferred the Haveri-Sirsi route for weekend trips and pilgrimages to Yellapur, Sirsi, Gokarna, and Kumta, are now avoiding it due to safety concerns and long delays. Private vehicle owners have shifted to longer alternatives, such as the route via Anavatti-Jade-Banavasi, which is more time-consuming and expensive. Recently, buses operated by the state transport corporation have also been diverted along this alternative route.
The poor road condition has significantly impacted tourism, leading to a decline in visitors to natural sites, waterfalls, religious places in the Malnad region, and coastal destinations. Hotels, eateries, lodges, petrol stations, and small businesses have suffered losses, while roadside tea stalls, fruit vendors, and small traders report a downturn in business.
Residents demand action
Residents have expressed anger, stating that despite paying taxes, they are not receiving proper road facilities. They demand immediate action from public representatives and officials to improve the road. The public has urged the government to take urgent steps to begin repairs, emphasizing that the Haveri-Sirsi road is a lifeline connecting North Karnataka to the Malnad and coastal regions. Its development would boost trade, tourism, and the rural economy.
Estimated daily losses
According to local reports, estimated daily losses include:
- Tourism: Rs 10-12 lakh
- Goods transport: Rs 20-22 lakh
- Vehicle maintenance: Rs 18-20 lakh
- Additional fuel costs: Rs 5-7 lakh
- Roadside businesses: Rs 3-4 lakh
- Healthcare costs for residents and shopkeepers: Rs 50,000
These figures highlight the severe economic impact of the road's deterioration.
Official response
When contacted, NHAI officials were unavailable for comment.
Girish Bennur, a private tourist vehicle owner from Haveri, stated: "Due to the complete deterioration of the Haveri-Sirsi road, we now travel via the Nalkur Cross-Anavatti route. This has doubled our fuel costs, and tourist numbers have dipped."
