In a significant development offering much-needed relief to travellers between Karnataka and Goa, the Belagavi Public Works Department (PWD) has initiated the long-awaited recarpeting of the deteriorated Belagavi–Goa route via Chorla.
The resurfacing work is set to begin within the next couple of days, aiming to ease traffic flow ahead of the peak travel season and the upcoming Winter Session of the Karnataka Legislature.
As a preparatory step, the contractor has begun constructing an alternative route near the Kusmalli Bridge over the Malaprabha River. This diversion—activated today—will allow uninterrupted vehicular movement while the long-pending bridge works are completed. The bridge project had stalled earlier this year after the early arrival of monsoon in May prevented embankment work on either side, severely affecting the passage of heavy vehicles.
Apart from completing the bridge structure, the PWD will also take up repairs on several newly built but damaged patches along the Belagavi–Goa corridor via Chorla.
It may be noted that the entire 46-kilometre stretch from Peeranwadi to Chorla was reconstructed earlier, but recurring damage has necessitated fresh intervention.