Sirsi: About 8 km Vaddighat road between Sirsi and Gokarna has been damaged completely. As a result, the smooth vehicular movement has become difficult. 

The narrow road which passes through the forest area, has several dangerous curves. Tourists who move on this route, face a lot of inconveniences due to the bad condition of the road.   

It is also the main route that connects Vibhuti falls near Achave in Ankola taluk and Yana in Kumta taluk. Hundreds of tourists move on this route regularly. The majority of tourists come from Sirsi and other places.

At present, Sirsi-Kumta road development work is in progress. Hence, the number of passengers including tourists using Vaddighat road has increased. It connects Gokarna and Karwar from Sirsi.  

Last year, the road that comes under the jurisdiction of Sirsi sub-division has been developed. However, the Vaddighat road that comes within the limits of Ankola division has not been repaired.   

Manoj Hegde, a resident of Mattighatta area said, Vaddighat road has been damaged for years. Though the movement of vehicles on this route has increased, steps have not been taken to repair it yet. The bad condition of the road is inviting danger. Tourists move on this route under fear, he expressed unhappiness. 

Shivaraj, a tourist of Madhugiri said, though it is the State highway, it is not wide. It is a challenging task for drivers to drive vehicles on this route. At least now, measures should be initiated to develop the road immediately, he appealed.

Ankola Public Works Department Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) Shashikant Kolekar said, funds have been reserved for the development of Vaddighat road. The tender would be called soon for the same, he assured.