Shiradi ghat opening to boost business

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eNarada, Kokkada, Wednesday, August 1, 2018

The heavy rains prompt Sowthadka Mahaganapathi Temple (The open temple in Kokkada, Belthangadi Thaluk) priest to hold an umbrella while doing rituals. As the busses are not allowed, temples, business establishments and hotels in surrounding areas of Kokkada and Nelayadi along Bengaluru -Mangalore highway are seeing a sharp dip in visitors. eNarada Picture.

Shiradi ghat, the lifeline road that connects Bengaluru to Mangaluru is set to open for heavy vehicles from August 2, 2018.

The news has brought cheers not just for the commuters but for also for the businessmen. It is said that ever since the road was closed last year (due to repairs), the business in Dakshina Kannada (especially in and around Dharmasthala), Kokkada, Gundya, and Nelyadi had taken a big hit. Most of the commercial establishments have reported lesser business than usual. Even the famous pilgrim spots like Dharmasthala and Kukke too are seeing a lesser crowd.

Speaking to eNarada, Dhananjay, a native of Kokkada said, “Earlier, we would reach to Hassan and other places via Gundya. However, with Shiradi ghat closure, we were forced to travel to Dharmasthala to take the Charmadi ghat. The Charmadi ghat was also not equipped to take the heavy load and would result in heavy traffic jams every now and then. Hopefully, the Shiradi ghat opening for heavy vehicles will make our lives better.”

Shiradi ghat that connects Sakleshpur to Gundya was closed from last year due to repair works. As the road was closed, the Dakshina Kannada district administration had asked the vehicles to take the alternative routes like Charmadi ghat or Sampaje Ghat. Last month, the Shiradi ghat was open to traffic only for light vehicles.

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