BENGALURU — Karnataka’s Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Sunil Kumar conducted an unannounced inspection of the perilous Hulikal Ghat road on Tuesday, as pressure mounts over the state’s handling of one of its most accident-prone mountain corridors. The 14-kilometre stretch, which links Shivamogga district to coastal Karnataka, has claimed at least 18 lives and left 42 seriously injured in the past year alone, according to district police records. The minister’s visit comes amid allegations of shoddy construction, missed deadlines, and persistent safety risks that have left commuters and transport operators demanding accountability.
What Happened
During the inspection, Kumar reviewed progress on a ₹187-crore upgrade project aimed at widening the road, reinforcing slopes, and installing crash barriers and improved drainage systems. The minister told reporters that the project, now slated for completion in December 2026, remains on track despite earlier setbacks, including monsoon-related delays and disputes over land acquisition. “The safety of commuters is our top priority,” Kumar said. “We are ensuring that every engineering standard is met, including slope stabilisation and weather-resistant surfacing, to prevent landslides and skidding during heavy rains.”
The PWD has also engaged independent engineers from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to audit the project’s structural integrity. Interim reports suggest compliance with national safety norms, though full findings are yet to be released. The upgrade includes the construction of two new bridges and the reinforcement of existing culverts, measures intended to mitigate the risks posed by the ghat’s steep gradients and heavy rainfall.
Why It Matters
Hulikal Ghat is not just a transportation route but a lifeline for Karnataka’s economy. The corridor serves as a critical link for the state’s ₹12,000-crore horticulture and fisheries sectors, facilitating the movement of perishable goods like areca nut, spices, and seafood from the Malnad region to coastal markets. Delays or failures in the upgrade could disrupt supply chains, inflate transportation costs, and deepen economic losses for farmers and traders.
The project’s significance extends beyond commerce. The ghat’s treacherous conditions have made it a flashpoint for public anger, with local residents and transport associations accusing authorities of negligence. The Shivamogga Goods Transport Association, in a memorandum submitted to Kumar during his visit, alleged that previous repair works had been substandard, with potholes reappearing within months of completion. The association has demanded third-party quality audits and public disclosure of progress reports, warning that without transparency, the upgrade risks repeating past failures.
Background and Context
Hulikal Ghat’s reputation as a “death trap” is not new. The road, carved into the Western Ghats, has long been plagued by landslides, poor visibility, and inadequate safety infrastructure. A 2022 report by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) identified the ghat as one of the state’s most dangerous routes, with accident rates nearly three times the national average for hill roads. The report cited inadequate signage, lack of crash barriers, and poor drainage as key contributors to the high fatality rate.
The current upgrade project was first announced in 2019, with an initial completion target of 2023. However, the timeline has been repeatedly pushed back due to a combination of factors:
– Land Acquisition Delays: Disputes over compensation and resistance from landowners in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats region have slowed progress.
– Monsoon Disruptions: Heavy rainfall, a recurring feature of the region, has hampered construction efforts, particularly for slope stabilisation and drainage work.
– Contractor Issues: Local media reports suggest that at least two contractors were replaced mid-project due to allegations of poor workmanship, though the PWD has not publicly confirmed these claims.
The involvement of NHAI engineers marks a rare instance of cross-agency collaboration in a state-led project. While the PWD has historically managed Karnataka’s road infrastructure, the NHAI’s expertise in highway safety standards could lend credibility to the upgrade—provided its recommendations are implemented.
Competing Claims and Uncertainty
Despite the PWD’s assurances, skepticism persists. Transport operators and local residents point to a history of unfulfilled promises. “Every monsoon, the road becomes a nightmare,” said Ramesh Shetty, a truck driver who has navigated the ghat for over a decade. “Last year, they repaved a section, and within three months, it was full of potholes again. How can we trust this time will be different?”
The PWD has not yet responded to the transport association’s demand for third-party audits, raising concerns about transparency. While the NHAI’s involvement is a positive step, its interim reports have not been made public, leaving room for doubt about the project’s adherence to safety standards.
Another point of contention is the project’s cost. The ₹187-crore allocation represents a 40% increase from the original estimate of ₹133 crore, a revision the PWD attributes to “unforeseen engineering challenges.” However, critics argue that the escalation reflects poor planning and cost overruns, a common issue in India’s infrastructure projects.
What to Watch Next
1. NHAI’s Final Audit Report: The release of the NHAI’s comprehensive findings will be a critical test of the project’s credibility. If the report identifies major flaws, it could force the PWD to revise its approach—or face public backlash.
2. Land Acquisition Progress: The PWD has yet to resolve all land disputes, particularly in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. Delays here could further push back the December 2026 deadline.
3. Monsoon Preparedness: With the next monsoon season approaching in June, the PWD’s ability to complete slope stabilisation and drainage work will be closely watched. A repeat of past failures could reignite protests.
4. Transparency Measures: The PWD’s response to demands for third-party audits and public progress reports will signal its commitment to accountability. Failure to act could erode trust in the project.
5. Economic Impact: If the upgrade is delayed or proves ineffective, the horticulture and fisheries sectors could face higher transportation costs, potentially leading to price increases for consumers.
Conclusion
The Hulikal Ghat upgrade is a microcosm of India’s broader infrastructure challenges: balancing urgent safety needs with bureaucratic delays, financial constraints, and public distrust. While the PWD’s efforts to address the ghat’s dangers are a step in the right direction, the project’s success hinges on transparency, rigorous oversight, and a willingness to confront past failures. For the thousands of commuters and businesses that rely on this route, the stakes could not be higher. The coming months will reveal whether Karnataka’s promises of a safer Hulikal Ghat are grounded in reality—or destined to become another cautionary tale of unmet expectations.
Story synopsis gathered from: [The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/pwd-minister-inspects-road-works-at-hulikal-ghat/article71222176.ece) — source.
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Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source.
