MoRTH invites bids for feasibility study for widening two-lane Agumbe Ghat stretch of National Highway 169A in Karnataka

MoRTH invites bids for a feasibility study on widening Agumbe Ghat stretch, faces opposition from environmentalists to proposed tunnel road.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has invited tenders for consultation services to prepare a detailed feasibility study for widening the two-lane Agumbe Ghat stretch of National Highway 169A in Karnataka. The detailed project report will include an assessment of the feasibility of a tunnel on the stretch, said Shivamogga Lok Sabha member B.Y. Raghavendra.

On February 11, Mr. Raghavendra said that the inclusion of a provision to study the feasibility of a tunnel road emphasised the importance of the project for the stretch that needed upgrading. “For several decades, travellers on the stretch have faced many hurdles. The tender process is the first step towards a permanent solution to the problems faced by regular commuters on the stretch,” he said.

The ministry has invited tenders to prepare a detailed project report at a cost of ₹2.33 crore. “This project will improve connectivity between the Malnad and coastal regions. The upgraded road will enhance transportation, and boost the tourism sector as well,” he said, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for taking up the initiative.

Environmentalists have opposed a tunnel in the Agumbe stretch, stating that it would affect the forests and impact the lives of flora and fauna in the region.

Nagaraj Koove, an environmentalist based in Chikkamagaluru, said the government should abandon the idea of a two-lane road and the tunnel road project in Agumbe. “The Agumbe ghat is part of the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, and the road passes through a thick forest. This area is home to the king cobra and lion-tailed macaque, among other rare biodiversity. The rivulets and streams in the area are lifelines for many rivers downstream. The proposed project would harm the environment and severely impact farmers in the coming days,” he said.

L.K. Sripathi, a retired professor of an engineering college and an environmentalist, who has been opposing the Sharavati Pumped Storage Project, stated that he is also opposed to the tunnel road project in the Agumbe stretch. He added that the project would adversely impact the forest and wildlife.