BELAGAVI
In the wake of heavy rains, landslides, and accidents reported every year, the Collector of Kolhapur has prohibited heavy vehicles from plying between Goa and Belagavi via Tillari Ghat until October 31 with immediate effect.
Accordingly, low-height frames will be erected on either side of the entrance of the ghat and signboards banning the entry of heavy and multi-axle vehicles.
Heavy vehicles coming from Belagavi and other parts of Maharashtra will either have to go via Amboli, Chorla, or via Anmod.
According to the ban order issued by Kolhapur Collector Amol Yedage, the movement of heavy and multi-axle vehicles on the SH 189 has been banned from Km 155/00 to Km 163/00.
It may be noted that this ghat is very narrow, where accidents take place frequently. The ghat is very dangerous for heavy traffic, and due to the sharp turns with ups and downs in the ghat, vehicles cannot turn at the bends of the roads. Due to this, there have been many major accidents in the ghat.
Due to heavy traffic in the ghat, vehicles get stuck on sharp turns, and it becomes difficult to take a crane to remove the vehicle. There have also been cases of crane accidents, especially when larger cranes have to be used.
However, several motorists ply along this route as Google Maps shows this route as the nearest and only route in excellent condition between Belagavi and Goa.
However, being a new route, drivers cannot predict the ghat, resulting in accidents. This hinders the movement of motorcycles and other four-wheeled vehicles.
As of date, Amboli Ghat and Chorla Ghat in Karnataka are two alternative routes for heavy vehicle traffic.
The six-laning of Sankeshwar-Gadhinglaj-Ajra-Amboli to Banda highway NH548 is in progress and was expected to be completed by the month-end.
However, work is behind schedule, due to which heavy vehicles will have a tough time travelling to and from Goa.
