BELAGAVI
In response to a weak bridge at Kusmalli and heavy rains, Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan has banned heavy and multi-axle vehicles, including buses, from travelling to Goa via Kusmalli and Khanapur.
The ban came into effect on Monday morning. DC Roshan and top officials inspected the 125-year-old bridge on the River Malaprabha near Kusmalli village, which has weakened.
Earlier this month, the Uttar Kannada Collector had banned heavy and multi-axle vehicles on the Belagavi-Goa NH748 via Anmod until September due to waterlogging in some areas. This led to heavy traffic on the Chorla road. Villagers from Jamboti-Kankumbi had urged authorities to stop these vehicles due to the weak bridge.
The ban has caused issues for heavy vehicle owners and bus travellers as there are no proper alternative routes. “The Deputy Commissioner has banned Goa-bound vehicles via Khanapur and Kusmalli, forcing buses to use the Hemadaga-Anmod route while multi-axle vehicles must go via Yellapur and Kumta,” said Khanapur Tehsildar Prakash Gaikawad.
However, the Hemadaga route passes through Bhimgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is closed from 6 pm to 6 am due to wildlife activity. Another route via Habanatti-Bailur-Kinaye is too narrow. Buses can take the Hemadaga route, but there is increasing demand from transporters and private bus operators to reopen NH748 via Anmod to avoid the longer Yellapur-Ankola route.
