12-wheeled truck gets stuck on Charmadi Ghat, leads to miles-long traffic jam

CHIKKAMAGALUR: A 12-wheeler truck got stuck at the second hairpin bend on the Charmadi Ghat in Mudigere taluk on Thursday morning, leading to a traffic jam running several kilometres. Movement of heavy traffic vehicles (HTV) is banned on the ghat road, but it is regularly flouted.

The truck was on its way from Hubballi to Mangaluru. it had managed enter the ghat road despite a police checkpost at Kottigehara, raising several questions. Unable to move, the truck was stuck at the hairpin bend for several hours, leading to a traffic pileup.

Locals pointed out that there is a police checkpost and an election checkpost at Kottigehara and questioned how the truck driver could have evaded their notice. The Charmadi Ghat is a lifeline and many ambulances also move to Mangaluru and Udupi. Allowing such heavy vehicles which lead to blocking of the road may endanger lives, they said.

On March 18, a 16-wheeler truck carrying cement from Hubballi to Mangaluru had got stuck at the tenth bend. Ten-wheeled trucks and buses are banned from taking the Charmadi Ghat road, but the rules are regularly flouted.