Belagavi: Continuous rainfall across the Western Ghats has caused a significant rise in the Malaprabha river’s water level, resulting in the collapse of a temporary road and the closure of the crucial Belagavi-Goa highway.
The Malaprabha river, which begins near Kanakumbi in Khanapur taluk of Belagavi district, has seen a sudden surge in water due to relentless downpours. A new bridge is currently under construction near Kusumali village, and to maintain connectivity during this period, a temporary mud road had been set up across the river.
However, the swelling river swept away this makeshift road, which had been the only route for vehicles after the old bridge was dismantled for reconstruction. With the alternative route now rendered unusable, movement along the Belagavi–Jamboti–Chorla–Goa highway has been completely halted.
Officials have stated that traffic will remain suspended on this stretch until the monsoon subsides and safety conditions improve. In the meantime, travelers commuting between Belagavi and Goa are being rerouted via Khanapur and Ramnagar.
Locals have appealed to the authorities to accelerate the completion of the new bridge to restore safe and consistent access as soon as possible.
