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Summary:

The Karnataka PWD is constructing a bypass road in Agumbe as part of the Malpe-Tirthahalli National Highway 169A widening project. The bypass aims to alleviate traffic congestion caused by a sharp 90-degree turn in the town, which is prone to accidents, especially during the monsoon season when heavy fog reduces visibility. The project is part of a larger effort to widen and improve the highway between Malpe and Tirthahalli.

News Article:

Agumbe Bypass to Ease Traffic Congestion on NH 169A

Mangaluru, Karnataka – November 22, 2025 – Travelers heading between Udupi and Shivamogga can expect smoother journeys soon, as construction of a bypass road in Agumbe is well underway. The National Highways Division of the Karnataka Public Works Department (NH-PWD) is building the bypass as part of the ongoing widening project of National Highway 169A between Malpe and Tirthahalli.

The bypass aims to eliminate a notorious 90-degree turn within Agumbe, known for its congestion and accidents, particularly during the monsoon season when the region is shrouded in dense fog. Agumbe, often called the “Cherrapunji of South India” due to its high rainfall, experiences reduced visibility that exacerbates the danger of the sharp turn.

“The bypass will avoid the blind spot at the Agumbe Circle and facilitate seamless vehicular movement,” said a senior engineer from NH-PWD. “It will begin after Ganesh Grand and rejoin the existing road towards Tirthahalli just after the Agumbe bus stand.”

The Malpe-Tirthahalli NH 169A widening project includes widening the 17-km stretch between Agumbe and Megaravalli into two lanes with paved shoulders at a cost of ₹64 crore. The NH-PWD is also expanding the Malpe-Hebri section into four lanes. While the Megaravalli-Tirthahalli stretch widening is complete, the Tirthahalli-Shivamogga section awaits full-scale work due to pending forest clearances.

Local police report that while no recent fatal accidents have occurred, minor incidents are frequent due to the difficult turn, especially during the foggy monsoon season. The new bypass is expected to significantly improve road safety and traffic flow through Agumbe.

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