[scorpion_blore]

Originally Posted by rajshenoy

Shiradi is closed since January and we are all eagerly waiting for it's reopening. You could go via madikeri route for now.

Thanks for the update, really appreciate it!
Looks like the route via Madikeri adds 2 hours to the travel time compared to the route via Shiradi Ghat. But looks like this is the only option now.

Any idea on the road conditions since it is raining these days? Also there was news of have rains in western ghats about a month back.

[ananthacharya]

Originally Posted by rajshenoy

Shiradi is closed since January and we are all eagerly waiting for it's reopening. You could go via madikeri route for now.

Do check for any updates on the shiradi opening by then

An elderly colleague of mine claims to have traveled through Shiradi to reach Mangalore from Bangalore 2 weeks back. He said that the roads were well constructed and traffic was slim. Since he drove the car himself my skepticism of the route taken was lulled.

[strawhat]

Originally Posted by scorpion_blore

I'm planning to visit Kukke in next couple of weeks. I believe the usual route is to go through Shiradi ghat after Sakleshpur. How is the condition of this route since it is raining heavily these days? Is there any other alternate route that can be considered?

Returned from a Coorg getaway yesterday. On our way back took an hitherto unplanned detour towards Bisle Ghat side via. Kushalnagar, Somwarpet. We joined Shanivarsanthe-Subramanya state highway near Vanagoor and proceeded left towards the View Point through Bisle village. Conditions of the roads point wise below.

• Vanagoor - Bisle Ghat View Point - Vanagoor (Bisle ghat): The initial stretch was horrible. Riddled with crater sized potholes (nothing that you don't see in Bangalore). You can scrape the bottom if you are not careful. But once you negotiate this approx. 2km stretch the rest is a very well maintained tarmac with absolutely no issues all the way upto Kukke.
• Vanagoor - Shanivarsanthe: Rained cats and dogs all the way. Aforementioned terrible stretch apart the road was smooth and spotless although narrow. Of course the roads are twisty pretty much like Bisle ghat but with small villages intersecting. So you need to watch out for pedestrians and animals. The terrain changes drastically from mountains and dense forests to lush green open fields. So easy to take eyes off the road.
• Shanivarsanthe - Arkalgud: The rainfall was in patches. Sometimes very heavy, other times drizzling or clear. The roads in most places are in good condition and drivable. We had to take a small detour near Hippalli due to a tree fall. Otherwise it was problem free and enjoyable.
• Arkalgud - Holenarsipur - CR Patna: Newly laid blacktop at many places means butter smooth drive with sparse traffic. Excellent to drive on. The towns were a nuisance though, what with busy junctions and jay walkers. After driving in blissful open roads, this was more of return to normalcy. After CR Patna we merged with NH75.

Few pictures,

[Rajesh K R]

Bisle ghat Road is open for traffic? I had heard that after the view point, the road was getting relaid and work was underway and traffic was not being allowed.

[strawhat]

Originally Posted by Rajesh K R

Bisle ghat Road is open for traffic? I had heard that after the view point, the road was getting relaid and work was underway and traffic was not being allowed.

Yes. Found newly laid tarmac at many places. Few patches here and there are still in poor condition. The roads are good and dependable for most part but real test (read: monsoon) lies ahead. As mentioned earlier in this thread, the route is desolate. Had I read the comments before the drive I'd have avoided this route but we were lucky to see some of the most remote and scenic expanses of western ghats surrounded by dense forest in full glory.

[rahulb22]

Looks like Shiradi opening is further delayed


https://www.deccanherald.com/state/m...be-680359.html

[paragsachania]

Seems like this weekend could be lucky:



Source : Today's Deccan Herald

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted by paragsachania

Today's Deccan Herald

High time too.

However, Prajavani reports that the side walls and caution signs aren't finished; and more importantly, the union minister hasn't yet responded to the state government's request for his presence during the inauguration. This may delay the opening.

The paper also quotes the NHAI Chief Engineer as saying that this particular stretch will have a life of (hold your breath!) thirty years. I will take that with a truckload of salt though.

[paragsachania]

Originally Posted by dailydriver

However, Prajavani reports that the side walls and caution signs aren't finished;

From the same Media group, one report in English is casual while the other from vernacular is cautious .

In fact, last time also when it was thrown open for general public was in sort of hurry with shoulders still deep enough to gulp a regular hatch!

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted by paragsachania

From the same Media group, one report in English is casual while the other from vernacular is cautious

The real powers that be usually read the Kannada version and therefore the report needs to be closer to and clearer about the facts. At the same time, it also needs to highlight that the local government isn't responsible for the delay.

Interestingly, a few lawmakers who were travelling by that very route (unofficial inauguration ) a few days ago on their way to pay respects to a departed ex-colleague were forced to take a detour because of a tree fall.

The common man had the last laugh when minister travelling on the Shiradi Ghat, that is closed for the public due to ongoing work, were forced to take a detour after an uprooted tree blocked their onward journey.

Originally Posted by paragsachania

In fact, last time also when it was thrown open for general public was in sort of hurry with shoulders still deep enough to gulp a regular hatch!

Proper road shoulders, specially on a concrete road, can make or break a car. About two years ago, a relative driving a newly acquired, fully loaded S Cross was forced to go off the road on Shiradi. The car skidded off the edge, went out of control and hit a milestone. It took nearly two months and approximately two lakh rupees for him to get the vehicle back to useable condition.

We have waited for six months; a few more days won't be too difficult. Authorities should better not open the road with a bang to please someone, only to close it again the next day for repairs/refurbishments .

[Thilak29]

Today's newspapers seems to suggest, heavy cracks are seen in road connecting Madikeri and Mangalore and some more damage seen on Agumbe Ghat. There is an affirmative report which suggests Shiradi will open on 15 July.

[_chikku]

Positive news in today's Vijayavani .

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted by _chikku

Positive news in today's Vijayavani.

And in the Prajavani too.

The much awaited inauguration will happen tomorrow. Cracks appearing on Sampaje and landslides in Charmadi and Agumbe ghats are said to be the reasons for this early tape cutting. So, Mangauru is not far now (apologies to Mr. Bond, the Indian one!).

[rajshenoy]

Originally Posted by _chikku

Positive news in today's Vijayavani .

Funny headline. It literally means shiradi will be traffic free

[balechaparka]

Tomorrow I'm traveling to Bangalore from karkala.As usual my favourite route is charmadi.but after seeing the above news I'm planning to take shiradi ghat route.any suggestions?.