Chorla road repairs begin after commuters’ outcry

PWD workers carrying out repair work on the Chorla–Jamboti stretch on Saturday.

Belagavi  

Commuters from Karnataka and Goa were facing serious problems as the newly built Belagavi-Goa road via Chorla had badly deteriorated. After The Goan highlighted the issue, the National Highways Authority and Karnataka PWD began repair work on Saturday morning. The move has been welcomed by Goan travellers, many of whom visit Belagavi over the weekend.  

PWD teams, working under the National Highways, started filling potholes with Wet Mix Macadam (WMM). Workers were seen repairing the severely damaged 8 km stretch between Kankumbi and Jamboti, with NH and PWD engineers personally monitoring the repairs.  

“As it is raining heavily, we cannot do much right now. As a temporary measure, we are filling potholes with WMM. A grader machine will also be used to level them. Once the rains stop, permanent repairs will be carried out on priority,” said NH Executive Engineer Rajendra, who inspected the damaged road on Saturday.  

He added that the lack of roadside drains and overhanging tree branches were causing further damage. For this, he said forest department clearance is needed to dig trenches and trim tree branches.  

When contacted, Deputy Conservator of Forests Maria Christu Raja said he had directed the Range Forest Officer, Shivakumar, to prepare a report. Clearances for necessary works will then be given in the interest of commuters. Meanwhile, commuters thanked The Goan for taking up the matter and expressed hope for better roads in the coming days.