Highway retaining wall develops cracks near Madikeri, sparks safety concerns

MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda, who visited the site on Friday, directed the officials to take immediate corrective measures to prevent further damage and ensure public safety

A cracked retaining wall along the national highway 275 near Madikeri has sparked safety concerns among commuters and local residents.

MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda, who visited the site on Friday, directed the officials to take corrective measures to prevent further damage and ensure public safety.

If the wall collapses, it can lead to the closure of the highway. Hence, the Highway Department engineers should rope in expert engineers and take precautionary measures, Mr. Gowda said.

He directed the officials to take interim safety measures such as covering the area with tarpaulin to prevent further damage. Since heavy rains began early in May this year, and are expected to continue till November, there is a need for increased vigilance on highway safety, he told the engineers.

Public movement and safety are of utmost importance, Mr. Gowda said.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Gowda said the retaining wall was constructed by the National Highway Division in 2021-22. He said that five families living close to the wall have been temporarily relocated and necessary steps were being taken to ensure highway safety.