Both residents and those visiting Hassan are unhappy with the condition of roads here. Almost all roads that connect Hassan to other cities are in bad shape and the people blame the officials and the elected representatives for their ‘inaction’ in this regard.
Roads, including the Bengaluru-Mangaluru, Hassan-Halebid, Hassan-Holenarsipur, Hassan-Arsikere and Hassan-Arkalgud roads, are full of pot-holes and posing a challenge to users.
“Outsiders come here expecting to see good roads because it is represented by some very prominent leaders. However, in reality, the roads are in very poor state. Everywhere, roads are filled with dust and pot-holes,” said S. Ganesh, shopkeeper on Salagame road.
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The road in front of his shop connects Hassan to Halebid, which is a major tourist destination in the State. Hundreds of people visit this historic place every day.
Hassan is known by the number of prominent political leaders it has given. The district has contributed two Chief Ministers and a Prime Minister to the country. Places represented by those occupying high positions are rated high because of the infrastructure facilities.
During the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Congress candidate A.Manju, who is now a Minister in Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, often gave credit to BJP leader B.S. Yeddyurappa for improving urban infrastructure facilities in Shivamogga.
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With that, he intended to criticise H.D. Deve Gowda, national president of the Janata Dal (Secular) by stating that he (Mr. Deve Gowda) did not improve the place he represented for a long time.
“Now, Mr. Manju is in-charge of Hassan district. Let him improve the roads, including the one that connects Hassan to Arakalgud, his constituency,” said M.P. Manjunath, resident of K.R. Puram here.
No road has a proper drainage system or pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. The sidewalk near Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus- stand has been occupied by autorickshaws, leaving no space for passengers to carry their luggage into and out of the bus-stand. In the case of other roads, sidewalks are covered with eateries and petty shops. “This is not a city for pedestrians. Hundreds of schoolchildren walk back to their houses in the evenings, when traffic is at its peak. As parents, we keep our fingers crossed till they return home safely. I don’t know, why the urban local bodies do not understand the need for sidewalks,” said R. Manjula, resident of Vidya Nagar.
Those travelling on Hassan-Mysore road are often caught in traffic snarls as this busy road is intersected by a railway line.
People of Hassan have been demanding for a railway over bridge for a long time.