What is the relationship between the commencement of the concretisation of Shiradi Ghat curves and Mangalore-Bangalore train service? That is an interesting riddle.

For starting the concretisation of 17 curves on Shiradi Ghat, vehicular traffic should be completely banned on the proposed stretch. And for banning the traffic, train service should be commenced between Mangalore and Bangalore.

Yes, the first condition is that of the contractors, while the second one is that of the administrators. So, when the works will begin? “We are ready to start from August 30 itself, if the stretch is free from vehicular movement,” say the contractors; “We can ban the traffic only after you repair the alternative routes and we get train service to Bangalore,” say the administrators.

So, once again, when the wretched condition of NH 48 on Shiradi Ghat stretch is solved? That depends on when the first train runs between Mangalore and Bangalore! When the date of starting train service itself is fluctuating day by day, who can guess the actual time of getting the ghat repaired in a comfortable manner?

Even MP D V Sadananda Gowda and District-in-Charge Minister B Nagaraj Shetty do not have a clear-cut answer for this question.

Both the members, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao and Zilla Panchayat President Sushma Janardhan had a special meeting with PWD Secretary Sukumar, officials from National Highway Authority of India and National Highway division on Tuesday.

Briefing the details to media persons after the meeting, Mr Sadananda Gowda said that three contractors have agreed to commence the Rs 32 crore-project of concretisation of the currves simultaneously from August 30. “But it will take another month to start as they expected a total ban on all vehicular movements on the stretch,” he said.

“However, we have also put conditions that they should repair all the link roads connecting Bangalore namely, Madikeri-Mysore road, Bisile ghat and Charmadi ghat roads, before starting concretising Shiradi ghat curves. We have also told them that the traffic can be stopped only after the train service commences,” he explained.

3-MONTH TRAFFIC BAN

Once the concretisation works of curves on Shiradi ghat road starts, vehicular traffic will be banned for three months. “It will be a little inconvenience for the passengers but it should be taken in the larger interest. Alternative routes will be indicated. The contractors have agreed that they will finish the works within 3 months,” Mr Sadananda Gowda said.