Sirsi: Heavy rain washed away a temporary bridge between Bandala and Raghihosalli near Sirsi on Friday evening, disrupting connectivity in the region. In response, MLA Bhimanna Naik and Assistant Commissioner Kavyarani visited the site and reviewed the situation, expressing concern over the slow pace and substandard quality of the ongoing construction by RNS Company on the Sirsi-Kumta National Highway.
The temporary structure was constructed to facilitate traffic movement during the construction of the Bennehalla bridge. However, continuous heavy rain caused the Bennehalla stream to overflow, washing away the temporary bridge and pipe system, severely affecting road connectivity in the area.
MLA Naik, who inspected the progress, criticized the contractor and expressed disappointment that even after a six-month traffic restriction was imposed to accelerate work, the pace remained unsatisfactory. “Many opposed the restriction, but we went ahead for faster completion. Now how do we justify this delay to the people?” he questioned. He also pointed out delays in other bridges, including Challehalla, Mosalegundi, and Chandamurakanahalli, stating that such negligence from a reputed company was unacceptable.
Assistant Commissioner Kavyarani, who visited the site along with NHAI and RNS officials, informed the media that nearly 90% of the Bennehalla bridge work is complete. Instructions have been given to finish the remaining work within a week and open the bridge for light vehicle movement to ease public inconvenience.
She added that the district administration has extended the traffic restriction order and is working to restore connectivity to affected villages including Bugade, Devimane, Raghihosalli, and Hebbe. Measures are being taken to ensure essential services such as ration supply and school transportation are not disrupted.
The MLA also instructed NWKRTC officials to avoid inconvenience to schoolchildren, farmers, and laborers due to the connectivity issues. He emphasized the need for accountability and timely completion of all works under the national highway project.
DYSP Geetha Patil, Bandala GP President Devaraj Marathi, Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Channabasappa Havanagi, and officials from NHAI and RNS Company were also present during the inspection.
Due to the collapse of the temporary bridge at Bennehalla, the Sirsi-Kumta highway route has been disrupted. Additionally, access from Bandala and Sirsi to villages like Hebbe, Raghihosalli, Mundagaaru, and Devimane has also been cut off.