Kodagu’s Road Crisis: 743.73 Km of PWD Roads in Dilapidated Condition

With nearly half of the PWD road network classified as dilapidated, the data highlights the scale of the road maintenance challenge facing Kodagu. File Photo

Madikeri: As concerns over the condition of roads across Kodagu continue to grow, data from the Public Works Department (PWD) accessed exclusively by The Kodagu Express has revealed that 743.73 km of roads in the district are in a dilapidated condition, raising questions over road safety, connectivity and the effectiveness of ongoing maintenance efforts.

According to data, Kodagu has a total road network of 1,682.37 km under the PWD. This includes 579.94 km of State Highways and 1,102.43 km of District Main Roads.

Of the total road network, only 395.54 km are classified as being in good condition, while 543.10 km are in average condition. A significantly larger 743.73 km are classified as being in a dilapidated condition, accounting for nearly 44% of the total road network maintained by the department.

The figures assume significance for Kodagu, a district where roads play a crucial role in connecting remote villages, coffee and agricultural areas and tourist destinations. Poor road conditions can also affect the movement of residents, emergency services and commercial vehicles, particularly during the monsoon.

The data also shows that the PWD has undertaken the construction and development of 157 roads and bridges in Kodagu over the last three years, at a cost of ₹181.46 crore.

However, under the Planning and Roads Asset Management Centre (PRAMC), no works were taken up during 2023–24 and 2025–26, while seven works were taken up during 2024–25.

Under the State Highway Development Project, the Project Implementation Unit has taken up three works under two packages in Stage 1 of Phase 5, with a total allocation of ₹45 crore.

For 2026–27, the Kodagu PWD Division has been allocated ₹8.48 crore for State Highway maintenance and ₹9.49 crore for the maintenance of District Main Roads.

Taluk-wise data shows that State Highways extend across 184.17 km in Somwarpet, 153.99 km in Madikeri, 93.10 km in Virajpet, 85.27 km in Kushalnagar and 63.41 km in Ponnampet. District Main Roads cover 340 km in Madikeri, 283.10 km in Ponnampet, 276.48 km in Somwarpet, 162.85 km in Virajpet and 40 km in Kushalnagar.

With nearly half of the PWD road network classified as dilapidated, the data highlights the scale of the road maintenance challenge facing Kodagu and the need for timely repairs and sustained investment in the district’s road infrastructure.

If you appreciate our work, please consider supporting us with a donation. You may contribute via Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm at: 9980855901

To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com 

Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE 

Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)