By The Hindu Bureau
With heavy vehicles barred from operating through the Bargur Hills to reach Karnataka, there has been a sharp increase in the number of vehicles using the Bannari鈥揇himbam stretch of the national highway.
The Anthiyur鈥揟hamaraikarai鈥揃argur鈥揔ollegal route is a key inter-State road frequently used by lorries and trucks transporting goods between the two States. Since the section between Four Road and Kargekandi in Karnataka has become unmotorable, the Karnataka government began restoration work on June 23, which is scheduled for completion by July 5. As a result, the movement of heavy vehicles with more than six wheels has been banned on this stretch, and the Erode district administration has directed lorry owners and drivers to use the Bannari鈥揇himbam road to reach Chamarajanagar and Kollegal in Karnataka.
Lorries transporting vegetables, fruits, milk, poultry, sugarcane, and various agricultural and non-agricultural products from Thalavadi and other parts of Karnataka use the ghat road to reach markets and towns in Erode, Mettupalayam, and Coimbatore. Similarly, vehicles from various districts in Tamil Nadu use this ghat road to access destinations in Karnataka.
On average, 500 to 550 heavy vehicles pass through the forest check posts at Bannari and Karapallam daily. However, the number has increased to over 750 in the past week. A lorry driver said that he used to transport goods from Bhavani to Kollegal through the Bargur Hills round the clock. But now, he has to take the Dhimbam Ghat Road, which adds an extra 40 km to his journey. He also noted that vehicles cannot be operated at night due to restrictions. The driver expressed hope that the work at Kargekandi would be completed as per schedule, as the number of trips had significantly reduced due to the diversion.