The Rs 272-crore project to restore the 45-km direct road link between Chikkamagaluru and NR Pura has been delayed because the Karnataka Forest Department is yet to permit a survey through the Bhadra wildlife zone, according to the Public Works Department (PWD).
The survey is required to prepare the detailed project report for the road restoration. PWD executive engineer Divakar said the department was still awaiting permission. The project covers the development of the Chikkamagaluru–NR Pura road between kilometre 32 and kilometre 45, with the estimated cost calculated under the 2023-24 List of Prices for 2026-27.
The road was historically the shortest connection between Chikkamagaluru and NR Pura taluk headquarters. Before the Bhadra dam was built, the 45-km route passed through Saarya, Koosgal, Karukana Mane, Dabbaru, Kanchala Mane and Siruvase. Connectivity was disrupted after a 13-km section between Sarya and Kusgal was submerged.
Residents now travel around 105 km between Chikkamagaluru and NR Pura through Vastare, Aldur and Balehonnur. The journey takes about three hours. The proposed restoration would reduce the distance to 45 km and the travel time to about one hour, according to the project details reported by the Times of India.
More than one lakh people across over 30 villages are expected to benefit. The affected settlements fall under the Menasuru, Kadihinabylu, Sithooru, Kanaburu, Aduvalli and Honnekudige gram panchayats. The road would also improve access between Chikkamagaluru headquarters, Koppa, Sringeri and villages in Shivamogga district.
The PWD has proposed two alternative alignments. Both would begin at Chikkamagaluru and pass through Joldal, Talihalla, Jakkanahalli, Mallanduru and Muttodi. One alignment would continue through Kesave, Hippla, Hebbe, Kossl and Surya, while the other would run through Somavahini bridge, Galigudde, Kalavase, Arunoday, Konkal Mane and Dabbaru before meeting at Surya.
From there, the common route would pass through Mavinakodige, Morimath Circle, Honnekodige and Bhadra reservoir bridge, and continue via the Halemakodu–Ravoor road to NR Pura. The submerged 13-km section is planned as a 3.75-metre-wide single-lane road. Two major bridges would be needed along the alignment because parts of the original route lie under the reservoir.
Villagers currently depend on a bridge near Handooru and have asked the chief minister to sanction two additional bridges at Kollehalla near Surya and Kodi. The pending forest clearance has prevented the survey from proceeding because the proposed route passes through the Bhadra wildlife zone.
PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi said he would speak with forest minister Ramalinga Reddy and directed officials to submit a clearance proposal. Sringeri MLA TD Rajegowda said a meeting involving district in-charge minister KJ George and the PWD and forest ministers would be convened. He added that work would begin soon, subject to the required approvals.
