Bad Road Conditions in Kodagu(Coorg): Residents Demand Urgent Repairs

Vehicles navigating large potholes near Kallumotte on the Virajpet-Napoklu road in Kodagu district.

Virajpet: The major roads of Kodagu are in an appalling state, with residents calling for immediate repairs. The situation is particularly dire in South Kodagu, where key routes connecting Virajpet to the district headquarters in Madikeri are riddled with craters, making travel not only uncomfortable but also hazardous.

Apart from the Kakotuparambu section, the road from Kadanur to Murnad and all the way to Madikeri is in terrible shape, full of deep potholes.

Somanna M.R, a resident of Virajpet, took to social media to express his frustration, calling the situation “The Vanishing Roads of Kodagu.” He lamented, “The condition of Kodagu’s roads tells a different story. Public infrastructure, essential for the well-being of its residents and visitors, is neglected. Potholes have been left open for over two years, posing risks and inconveniences. Yet, when a VIP is scheduled to pass through, repairs are swiftly undertaken—only to degrade soon after.”

He added, “On these roads, we can do paddy cultivation, they're in such bad shape. We can barely travel at 20 km/h, and vehicles are getting damaged because of it.”

Potholes on the Virajpet-Madikeri road were last filled in August during Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's visit to the district. It has become a routine for the government to repair roads only when VIPs are expected, leaving tax-paying citizens to suffer the poor conditions the rest of the time.

Multiple large potholes near Kallumotte on the Virajpet-Napoklu road in Kodagu district.

Road conditions have worsened on other crucial routes as well, including the Virajpet-Gonikoppa-Mysuru road near Thithimathi after the forest area, the Kadanga to Kadanur stretch, the Kadanga to Kakabe road via Karada, and roads in Napoklu.

Residents are increasingly critical of local district authorities and Virajpet MLA A. S. Ponnanna, who they claim has failed to address the issue despite repeated complaints. As these critical routes continue to deteriorate, residents are demanding swift action from the government and especially local MLA and hope that their pleas will finally be heard.

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