The stretch of the National Highway passing through the Shiraadi Ghat is poorly maintained according to sources.[1] It was upgraded by the National Highways Authority of India at a cost of ₹ 260 million.[2] Elephants have also been sighted on the road.[3][4] In 2012, the Government of Karnataka sought help from the Japanese government to bore a tunnel through the ghat.[5] Later, the State Government released money to keep the road motorable during rains.[6][7]
Shiradi Ghat will have a tunnel bypass road, the construction project will begin before December 2016. The proposed tunnel bypass road is expected to be 29 km and provides seamless travel through the ghat stretch with 6 tunnels and 10 bridges. The new project costing ₹12,000 crore would be executed with financial assistance from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).[8]
Once you reach Shiradi, you need to travel a few hundred meters where you reach a bridge taking right there you need to start trekking to reach the spot "Ombathhu Gudda". Gundya, Kempuhole, Maranahalli, Kadamane tea estate, Heggadde, Donigal and Manjarabad Fort are the places located on the Shiradi Ghat. Aramane Betta, Venkatagiri, Mugilagiri, Are Betta and Yedakumeri are the popular trekking spots.[9]
