The Shiradi Ghat stretch — on the crucial Bengaluru –Mangaluru National Highway — will be closed for repairs from Friday, and vehicles have been directed to take alternative routes. The decision was taken after a meeting held here on Tuesday among stakeholders. Rajender Kumar Kataria, Managing Director, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, told The Hindu that its premium buses would operate between the two cities via Puttur-Sullia-Sampaje-Madikeri-Mysuru, and its regular buses via Belthangady-Mudigere-Belur-Hassan.
He said, “The changed routes will take effect from 6 a.m. on Friday.” Sadananda Chatra, general secretary, Karnataka State Tourist Bus Operators’ Association, said “We have no choice. I expect a gazette notification on the alternative routes, and we will follow it.”