Mangaluru : People travelling between Mangaluru and Bengaluru via National Highway 75 can heave a sigh of relief as Shiradi Ghat will be opened for light motor vehicles from August 1. This Ghat had been closed for traffic since this January.

Talking to reporters here on Thursday, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim said the Public Works Department’s National Highway Division had completed the work of concreting the 13-km stretch between Maranahalli and Kempu Hole (central part of the Ghat section).

The agency authorised by the PWD was now strengthening the shoulders along the 13-km stretch. Mr. Ibrahim said for the first 10 days only light motor vehicles will be allowed on the Shiradi Ghat. Heavy vehicles will be allowed from August 10, he said.

Mr. Ibrahim said PWD Minister H.C. Mahadevappa would be inspecting the work along with Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports K. Abhayachandra Jain on Saturday.

After the Ghat section was closed, traffic was diverted to Bengaluru and Hassan via Charmadi Ghat and Sampaje Ghat. Narrow road stretches in the Charmadi Ghat and land slips during the monsoon had affected smooth movement of vehicles.