Kumta: The famous stretch connecting Coastal with Malenadu region in Uttar Kannada district i.e Kumta-Sirsi road is likely to get closed for around one and a half year (18 months) from December for the upgradation of national highway 69.

The National Highway Authority of India has written a letter to the district administration seeking closure of this stretch until the completion of work.

The road shall get closed from Kumta to Sirsi for about a distance of 60 km long. Travelers moving from Kumta to Sirsi should have to opt for alternate routes via Siddapur or Yellapur.

It shall be noted that if the road gets closed, it can create problems for the people traveling from Sirsi to Kumta, Karwar, Bhatkal and also Mangaluru. 

The plans to set a perfect alternate road is underway. It is suggested that people who want to go Karwar or Goa can move via Yellapur highway, while the people moving to Bhatkal or Mangaluru should opt via Siddapur road which connects Honnavar. Sirsi to Kumta can be reached via Siddapur road.

Also, Sirsi to Ankola can be reached via Hegde Katta 'Vaddi Ghat', but it looks not suitable for heavy vehicles.