Mangaluru : The Public Works Department (PWD) has commenced restoration work of the Sampaje Ghat from both the ends, Madikeri and Sampaje.

A major portion of the 30-km Ghat stretch of National Highway 275 (Mani-Mysuru-Bengaluru) was damaged owing to landslips during the torrential rains from August 13 completely severing connectivity between Mysuru and the coast.

PWD NH Division’s Superintending Engineer Raghavan, who is camping at Madikeri, told that restoration work of the highway has commenced from both the ends.

Earth-movers have been deployed to remove the debris on the road even as preparations are on to restore broken stretches of the road at places.

Since the highway passes between the hillocks and the Payaswini on the Ghat stretch, some portions have sunken to the riverbed level too, for which adequate measures are to be taken.

Wherever the river embankment for the road has collapsed, temporary arrangements by placing sand bags to stabilise the road are being made, Mr. Raghavan said.

Temporary restoration of the road to facilitate movement of at least light vehicles is the initial priority following permanent restoration measures, the senior officer said.

At the same time, restoration work has commenced from Sampaje-end with earth movers clearing debris on the highway near Jodupala and surrounding areas. The road was completely washed away at some stretches near Jodupala.

PWD will take up the restoration work on a war-footing by inviting short-term tenders, according to department secretary K.S. Krishna Reddy.

Over one hundred engineers from the department are working in the affected areas Kodagu and adjoining districts, he said.