The Charmadi Ghat road was upgraded from a state highway to a national highway 14 years ago, but the stretch between Kottigehara and Charmadi village is still narrow.
Credit: DH Photo
Mudigere: Poor mobile network connectivity in Charmadi Ghat in Chikkamagaluru district is causing a lot of inconvenience to motorists, especially regular commuters.
The network connectivity becomes inactive on the 26 km stretch between Kottigehara (a few metres after Kottigehara) in Charmadi Ghat and Charmadi village.
Hundreds of vehicles ply on this stretch every day, and in case of any eventuality, they find it difficult to contact others for help. Motorists struggle to send messages or call in case of accidents and landslides in the ghat section.
Though Charmadi Ghat road was upgraded from a state highway to a national highway 14 years ago, the stretch has not been widened. Due to poor communication network on this road, people have been demanding the Police and Forest Department officials patrol the Charmadi Ghat. However, the pleas of the public have not been met so far.
Srikanth, a resident of Horatti village, said a mobile tower should be installed in the ghat section to ensure mobile connectivity. This will help people using the road.
MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said a satellite link-based tower has been set up in Alekhan Horatti village in Charmadi Ghati area on an experimental basis and is on the verge of success. It will be reviewed and a direct mobile network will be set up in Charmadi Ghat area through satellite. The government is aware of people demanding a mobile tower in Charmadi Ghat area. A decision in this regard will be taken shortly.