Goa-Belagavi Route Severed as Heavy Rain Submerges Haltar Bridge
Torrential rains in Khanapur taluka disrupted traffic between Goa and Belagavi after severe flooding submerged the Haltar Nullah Bridge near Manturga. The vital connection was rendered impassable as water levels rose five feet above the bridge, halting vehicular movement. The heavy downpour, which continued into the night, has also prompted school and college closures across Belagavi and Khanapur for public safety.
With the Haltar Bridge inundated, commuters are being redirected to the Manturga–Asoga–Khanapur road as an alternate route. However, this alternative stretch is facing its own set of challenges. Near Khanapur railway station, ongoing underground railway work has led to severe waterlogging, turning portions of the road into pond-like hazards. The persistent rainfall has overwhelmed basic drainage infrastructure, heightening fears among commuters and residents of further accessibility issues.
Concerns are growing over roadside soil erosion on the Asoga route, raising alarms that this lifeline could also become non-functional if repair work is delayed. Local residents are calling for immediate action to stabilise the road shoulder and improve water outflow. Without intervention, continued erosion may render the alternate route unfit for safe travel, cutting off an essential connection during peak monsoon season when access is most crucial.
The region continues to experience relentless rainfall, with Khanapur taluka registering 105–106 mm of rain across several locations in a single day. The Malaprabha River is flowing at full capacity, adding to the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. Authorities remain on high alert, issuing traffic advisories and urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel while ensuring emergency services remain accessible despite the disruptions.
To mitigate the risk to schoolchildren and staff, local officials declared a one-day holiday for educational institutions in Belagavi and Khanapur on Wednesday. This decision comes as a precautionary move amid persistent rainfall and road closures. Experts suggest that weather systems in the region may remain active, and further downpours could worsen the situation unless drainage and connectivity are addressed swiftly and effectively.
As rains continue to batter Khanapur and Belagavi, key connectivity routes like the Goa–Belagavi corridor face increasing vulnerability. The submergence of the Haltar Bridge and risk to alternate roads underline the urgent need for long-term monsoon-resilient infrastructure. Authorities are working to manage the crisis, but residents remain anxious for permanent solutions that ensure safe, year-round mobility in this vital inter-state corridor.
