Letters to the Editor: Kerala Builds Roads to Last- Why Can’t Kodagu, Karnataka?
- Kodagu Express Bureau
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Kerala Builds Roads to Last- Why Can’t Kodagu, Karnataka?
This is regarding your article dated 22 November 2025 on the pathetic condition of roads in Kodagu, titled “Frustration Grows in Kodagu as Road Repairs See No Progress; District Minister Sets December Deadline.”
Ever wondered why the roads in Kerala, right up to Mattanur Airport, feel smooth like butter, but the moment we enter Karnataka it turns into an off-road adventure? It’s not because of rainfall both states receive the same amount.
The reality is simple: Kerala builds permanent roads, while Karnataka relies on yearly patchwork. In hilly terrain, if retaining walls, proper drainage and slope protection are ignored, even a newly laid road collapses every monsoon. Kerala invests heavily (through KIIFB and NH-level standards), whereas our side depends on temporary fixes.
And let’s be honest yearly rework means yearly budgets, which benefits contractors far more than the public. Constructing a strong, long-lasting 10-year road costs more initially but ends the “repeat work” model.
Around the world, hill regions Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand build roads that last 10–15 years. Long-term solutions exist. We simply don’t choose them.
If Karnataka upgrades the Virajpet–Makutta stretch to the standards of Kerala’s airport corridor, half our problems would disappear. Until then, it seems we are destined to repeat the same story every year.
Kiran Chappanda
Dubai, UAE
No Development, Only Political Excuses
It has been almost two and a half years, and before the elections, everything was called “protocol”. This is what taxpayers, citizens and vehicle owners are forced to endure because of dirty politics, despite paying taxes.
There are no development projects in the Madikeri–Bhagamandala region. One of the major road works connecting Karike and Bhagamandala was a complete failure, with the surface getting damaged within a day. What more can we expect? No other meaningful development is taking place in Coorg.
Pavan Aiyappa
Kodagu
Potholes Everywhere, But No Urgency from Leaders
Roads across Kodagu, whether in Virajpet or elsewhere are filled with potholes. Why do politicians always wait for elections to repair roads? Leaving aside general inconvenience, it takes at least 15 minutes for an ambulance to get out of this mess before heading to Mysuru, Kerala or Mangaluru.
There is absolutely no concern for public safety. The funds don’t come from ministers’ or MLAs’ pockets, so why must the common man continue to suffer?
Shajahan Marakkar
Kodagu
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When one represented us for 20 more odd years earlier couldn't meet our expectations of people of coorg or virajpet taluk, how can we expect one of our beloved A S Ponnanna sitting can do magic within 2 years and 5 months , let us also give time to him to know everything about this place and still we have 2.6 years left to do his work... Road works is already begun and we will see that it is done sooner with best quality roads..