Mangaluru : After a day of Shiradi Ghat closure, the Friday evening heavy traffic of the vehicle was halted on the Charmadi Ghat – one of the key alternative routes for traffic between Mangaluru and Bengaluru.

The traffic came to a halt in the evening, particularly after many heavy vehicles came from Kadur side. Police and passengers said the traffic caused at least two hours delay. The narrow road added to the problems of motorists.

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim said the situation was “very bad”. He said he had spoken to his counterpart in Chikkmagaluru B.S. Shekharappa to ensure smooth traffic. Some reports said the vehicles were stuck or were moving slowly since 4 p.m. Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Sharanappa S.D. said confusion over the routes was to blame as it was the first day when vehicle users were asked to take alternative routes. Flow of vehicles from either side had led to the pile up.

By 9 p.m., however, the police said the vehicles were moving smoothly, while KSRTC Divisional Commissioner Kempananjaiah said no problem was reported in the movement of KSRTC buses. Mr. Sharanappa said traffic was restored to normality by late evening.

The Shiradi Ghat was closed for repair on Friday and different types of vehicles are being diverted via different alternative routes such as via Charmadi Ghat (Moodigere-Charmadi-Belthangady), via Madikeri-Mysore and via Honnavar.