Monsoon wreaks havoc on roads in UK; commute becomes hazardous

Potholes and damaged roads plague major towns, including Karwar, Sirsi, Gokarna, and Dandeli, with authorities promising repairs after rains subside

Karwar: Recent heavy monsoon rains have left roads across Uttara Kannada district in a deplorable state, making daily commute a challenge for motorists and pedestrians alike.

In Karwar, freshly patched roads like the Kaiga Road have already disintegrated, leaving behind large potholes that are causing accidents and vehicle damage. Two-wheeler riders often lose control while trying to avoid potholes, resulting in frequent falls and injuries.

And it’s not just Karwar. Towns across the district are experiencing similar or worse conditions. Key roads connecting Karwar Railway Station, Kaiga, Habbuwada, Bandishitta, and KHB Colony have deteriorated. Though the condition of interior roads is relatively better, arterial routes are in shambles.

Social activist Wilson Fernandes highlighted the situation: “The Baithkol Road is filled with potholes. Autorickshaw drivers are refusing to take this route. Heavy vehicles transporting goods from the port further worsen the road condition.”

Responding to the crisis, Karwar City Municipal Council president Raviraj Ankolekar said, “The maintenance of the Habbuwada Road falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department. Last year, the city council undertook patchwork repairs. Once the rains subside, we will carry out temporary repairs again.”

Other towns also affected

In Sirsi, most roads have become nearly impassable to pass through due to the lack of maintenance and continuous rain. During downpours, potholes get submerged, creating further hazards for road users. Major junctions like Ashwini Circle, Marathikoppa Road, College Road, areas around Pandit Hospital, Aghasebagilu and Kotekere route are riddled with potholes.

“Ashwini Circle has seen multiple accidents involving two-wheelers. Yet, no serious efforts have been made to fill the potholes,” said local resident Ramachandra Hegde.

In Gokarna, the main road used by tourists is filled with craters, making travel difficult and unsafe.

“All roads in the Gokarna region are in terrible shape. Transporting patients safely has become a real challenge,” said ambulance driver Ganesh Naik.

In Haliyal, roads have been damaged due to ongoing underground drainage works. Open trenches and unfinished pipeline installations have disrupted traffic flow.

The state highway connecting Dandeli and Yellapur, via the engineering college area, is also severely damaged.

In Mundgod

Mundgod town has faced similar issues, where residents recently staged a protest demanding road repairs. In Ankola, the Poojyagere Road is full of potholes, hindering traffic toward Gokarna via Manjuguni, according to local resident Vinod Gowda.

In Yellapur, the road in front of the Basaveshwara Temple on the IB Road is so full of potholes that it impedes vehicle movement. During rains, these potholes fill with water and splash muddy water onto pedestrians when vehicles pass. A massive pothole in front of the bus stand has also drawn complaints from the public.

In Dandeli, ongoing work on underground drainage and a multi-village drinking water supply project has left most main roads dug up and riddled with potholes.

“Residents had protested multiple times, demanding repairs of the road connecting Old Dandeli. Eventually, mud was used to fill the potholes, but recent rains have washed it all away,” said Abdul, a local resident.

No repairs even during summer, say residents

Many roads in Honavar town have become riddled with potholes. The expansion work on National Highway 66, which passes through the town, is progressing at a snail’s pace, causing daily hardship for the public. Residents complain that in recent years, as the town and surrounding tourist spots have gained popularity, the number of tourist vehicles has surged. However, necessary road repairs and infrastructure improvements have not kept pace.

“No road repairs were carried out during the summer. Due to heavy rains, the roads have deteriorated further,” the locals say.

Suresh Naik, a local resident, added, “The roads leading to Prabhatnagar Lions Club and Rajatagiri have many potholes, forcing motorists to carefully navigate and find drivable paths.”