Commuters decry shoddy work as potholes resurface on Belagavi-Goa stretch
Huge potholes have reappeared on the Belagavi-Goa road via Chorla, just weeks after reconstruction.
What was once hailed as a long-awaited dream come true has quickly turned into a commuter’s nightmare. The Belagavi-Goa road via Chorla, which underwent reconstruction just two months ago at a cost of ₹58 crore, has already deteriorated significantly. Large potholes and damaged stretches now plague the 43.381 km Karnataka section of the road, leaving travelers frustrated and angry.
The road, especially the Kankumbi-Chorla stretch, has developed numerous potholes, making travel not only uncomfortable but dangerous. Commuters have voiced strong criticism against the apparent substandard work and the alleged negligence of both the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD), who jointly oversaw the project.
In February last year, Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi secured ₹58 crore for the road’s reconstruction from Peeranwadi (Belagavi) to Chorla. The work, completed before the monsoon, included the laying of a new wearing course and road markings. At the time, NHAI Project Director Bhuvanesh Kumar and PWD officials expressed satisfaction, claiming that quality checks were performed at regular intervals to ensure durability.
However, the road began showing signs of distress within weeks of the first monsoon showers. The upper asphalt layer started crumbling, resulting in potholes and rough patches across several stretches.
“The joy of travelling on a newly done road was short-lived,” said a regular commuter. “In just two months, it has gone back to being a bumpy, risky ride.”
While some blame the absence of proper side drains, others point to the high volume of heavy vehicle traffic for the early damage. Many are now demanding accountability and questioning how a newly built road could degrade so rapidly.
In response, PWD Executive Engineer (NH section), Rajendra, acknowledged the commuters’ distress and apologised. He assured that a full road survey would be conducted on Saturday and that repair work would commence after the rainy season. “The damaged stretches will be re-laid, and I will ensure that the road is brought back to standard,” he stated.
NHAI Project Director Bhuvanesh Kumar also confirmed immediate inspection measures after an immediate survey.
