Govind D Belgaumkar/The Hindu

• One-way movement suggested for Bangalore-bound traffic
• KSRTC expects over 5,000 travellers on the route during the season
• It is in the interest of travelling public, says KSRTC official

Mangalore, Mar 21: With the volume of traffic expected to go up considerably during summer vacations, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has urged the Government to open at least one side of the Shiradi Ghat for one-way movement.

Mangalore Division Traffic Officer of KSRTC K.R. Vishwanath said he had surveyed the repair work under progress and partial opening of the ghat appeared feasible.

If it is done, Bangalore-bound traffic could be allowed and the return could be via Charmadi Ghat or Sampaje Ghat (via Mysore and Madikeri) onward to Mangalore, Udupi or Kundapur. Though allowing traffic might affect the progress of work, the measure has to be taken in the interest of the travelling public, he said.

Existing services

Mr. Vishwanath said at least 60 buses were plying to Bangalore now, with or without full occupation, carrying about 2,000 to 2,500 passengers. It could go up to 5,000 once the examinations are over. That would mean putting to use at least 15 more buses, he said. This number pertains only to Bangalore-bound traffic. In fact, KSRTC used to operate more than 450 buses via Shiradi Ghat every day, before it was closed for traffic about six months ago. These buses are now taking a circuitous route (Sampaje Ghat) covering an additional distance of 30 km.

Burden

The official said the division had been bearing an additional burden of nearly Rs. 20 to Rs. 25 lakh every month because of closure of the ghat for heavy vehicles.

The burden up to December end was Rs. 1.21 crore. “We stopped keeping account of that thereafter,” he said.

The increased movement of vehicles in summer — public and private — could mean traffic jams, adding to the time of travel.

Mr. Vishwanath said the problems being faced by the division on account of closure of the ghat has been brought to the notice of authorities concerned.