COMMUNICATIONS

TRANSPORT AND
Chapter VII

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS

K arnataka is blessed with rich cultural

heritage. In the early Indian literary works
of Kautilya and others; and foreign accounts of
Construction of systematic roads in the Bombay
Karnataka area was started only after 1856.
Among them, Belagavi-Hubballi road on the Pune-
Pliny, Ptolemy and Alberuni there are reference Harihara route, and Dharwad-Mundgod-Sirsi-
Kumta roads were prominent. The oldest road in

HISTORY
to transport and conveyance system pertaining to
Karnataka also. Early settlements of pre-historic Kalaburagi area is the road from Kalaburagi to
culture and the existence of Asokan Rock Edicts Firozabad via Kotnur, Nandikere, Shiruru and
in different parts of Karnataka speak much Parvatabad. The road development activity in the
about the socio-cultural contacts that might have Kodagu area was started actually after 1834, by
prevailed in those days. Hala, the Shatavahana the British. Some Ghat roads opened or improved
ruler of Kuntala, in his work Gatha Saptasathi, a in Dakshina Kannada District during 1837-
poetic compilation, also refer to major and minor 1843. Madras was connected with Mangaluru via
roads. Moreover existence of earlier road system Bengaluru, Mysuru and Madikeri. The Mangaluru

PEOPLE
and flourishing trade centres in ancient Karnataka road which runs through Madikeri and Sampaje
has been recorded in early inscriptions. A Copper Ghat was started in 1837. The road connecting
Plate record (713 A.D.) of Ganga Shivamara I from Konkan and Malabar on the western coast was
Hallegere in Mandya taluk, refer not only to the premitive and passed through Kundapur, Udupi,
construction of a bridge across the Kilini river, but Mangaluru and Kasargod, which had series
also a “Rajapatha” (Highway) passing across the of rivers and streams to be crossed by ferries

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
village. Likewise, according to a record of 1123 and boats. In early days, condition of roads in
A.D., a major road was connecting Terdal and Vijayapura district was not satisfactory. There
Halasi, the two important commercial centres in were only two roads in 1820, and the first one was
North Karnataka. A Chola inscription refers to a between Shikaripur and Sholapur via Vijayapura,
major road running from Tanjore to Kalyana viz., while the second one connecting sea coast with
Basava Kalyana, the Chalukyan capital. Another the Nizam’s territory through Bagalkot.
Highway or Principal route was the one connecting The turn of 20th century saw the beginning of
Konkan area with the interior Karnataka and a all-round development of road network throughout
place on the borders of Goa has that name even the State. From 1930 onwards the roads under

introduction
now. Bombay Presidency were classified as Class I, Class
There were aravattiges (where drinking water II A, II-B and Class-III depending on the importance
was provided), choultries and shady groves all along of roads. The Chiplun (Ratnagiri dist.)-Hyderabad
such roads. Ferries and boats were operating across Class I road was passing through Vijayapura
rivers and streams in between the land. Goods were district. Another Class I road originating from
transported on head load, kavadi or else on the Sholapur was connecting Vijayapura with Hubballi.
back of bullocks, asses or he-buffaloes. Carts were The most important link in the northern circle of
moving wherever roads existed. The remnants of the Bombay Presidency was Pune-Bengaluru road.
introduction

an old bridge that connected Hampi and Anegondi In the days of Commissioner Cubbon, he saw to it
across the Tungabhadra River in earlier times can that Bengaluru, the capital of Mysuru State was
be seen in Hampi even now. Similar old bridges connected with all district headquarters and by
can also be seen at Harihara, Srirangapattana, the time he left office (1861), the State had 2,555
Shivanasamudra, Bidanuru (Nagar),Ramanagara, km. of new roads and 309 bridges.
Nanjanagud, PaneMangaluru and such other During the pre-independence period, the old
places. Mysuru State had a very good road communication 343
 30,543 km. rural roads were formed and 460
bridges were constructed.
Total road length , at the time of the reorganization of Mysuru
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

State(1956)

Category of Road Length (kms)

National Highways 864
State Highways 5,983
Major District Roads 7,006
Other District Roads 5,951
Village Roads 2,373
TDB Roads 19,222
Forest Department Roads 1,783
Total 43,182
Bullock Cart Transportation (an art work by N. Hanumaiah)
Source: Statistical Abstract of Mysuru 1960-61
system. Roads were classified as State Fund Bureau of Economics & Statistics, Government of Mysuru 1963

Roads and District Fund Roads for the purpose

The total road length in 1981 was 98,523 km.
of construction and maintenance. In contrast, till
and an account of implementation of several road
1943, there was no systematic classification of roads
schemes; it was increased to 1, 21,266 km. in
in other parts of the country. Later, according to
1992. The roads which were in charge of P.W.D.
the Nagpur Plan in 1943, the roads were classified
increased from 32,177 km. in 1956 to 64,628
into National Highways, State Highways Major
km. in 1981. The quality of the roads maintained
District Roads, Other District Roads and Village
by the P.W.D. was also improved. The cement
Roads. In 1951, the road length in Dakshina
concreted/asphalted road surface which stood
Kannada and Udupi districts was about 2,000
at 3,858 km. in 1956 increased to 26,022 km. in
km. At the time of the merger of Ballari with the
1979 and was 36,229 during 1992. The length of
Old Mysuru State in 1953, the length of the roads
cement concrete roads has decreased substantially
was 1,218 km. and in 1956, the integrated State
due to its recoating with black topped surface.
had 43,182 km. road length, of which 26,423 km.
Un-metalled roads controlled by P.W.D. in 1956
was from old Mysuru and the share of Bombay-
was 2,343 km. when compared to 8,935 km. in
Karnataka and Hyderabad-Karnataka region was
1966 and during 1992 it was 11,089 km. In
11,260 and 2,478 km. respectively. The districts
addition, 11,089 km. roads have been transferred
of Dakshina Kannada (including Udupi district)
from the control of [Link] the Zilla Parishads
and Kodagu then had a road length of 2,109 and
(1-4-1987).
912 km., respectively.
The Government has retransferred 10,000 km.
road length from the control of Zilla Parishads to
Development of Roads the PWD on 18th February 1992. The aim was to
In 1956, the road length including that of the improve them at the rate of 50 km. per Assembly
integrated areas in the State was 43,182 km. The Constituency. Besides, they are being upgraded
road development in Bidar, Kalaburagi, Ballari, into major district roads. For the development of
Raichur and Koppal was very poor. After the Kalaburagi division (Kalaburagi, Ballari, Bidar,
unification in 1956, the road length in the State Raichur and Koppal District), roads and bridges are
gradually went on increasing. As a result, it being constructed. During 1990-91 and 1991-92,
increased to 55, 369 Km. by 1966 and to 79,947 a sum of Rs.61.60 lakhs was spent on roads and
Km. by 1974. Special attention was paid to the bridges. In 1990, a scheme for the improvement
development of roads in those areas during various of roads was launched. Under this programme,
Five Year Plans. From 1956 to 1978, about 6,059 a sum of rupees twelve lakhs was spent on road
km. new road length was added and 21,854 km. works in each Assembly constituency. An amount
existing roads were improved. During the same of Rs.867.08 lakhs was spent in 1990-91 and in
period, 16,344 km. road length was asphalted. 1991-92, it rose to 1,694.39 lakhs.
344
For providing accessibility to the villages, about
 The total road length in the State by 1998 was
1,42,687 km. comprising 2,335 km. of National
Highways, 11,037 km. of State Highways, 28,301

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
km. of Major District Roads, 1,644 km. of Other
District Roads, 42,791 km. village Roads, 31,583
km. of TDB Roads, 9,417 km. of Irrigation Dept.
Roads and 2,582 km. of Forest Dept. Roads
excluding 8,366 km. of Municipality Roads and
4,665 km. of Gramapanchayati Roads. Among
them, 97,392 km. were surfaced, and others were
unsurfaced Roads. The average road length per
one lakh population is 288 km. and the average
road length per [Link]. respectively. During the

HISTORY
8th plan (1992-97), a sum of Rs.42,717.24 lakhs
State Highway
were spent on laying and improving of 8,537
the State Government, Local Governments such
km., asphalting 3,321 km. of roads and building
as Zilla Panchayat and its wings & in urban areas,
in a sum of Rs.953 crores has been provided for
the City Corporations, City Municipal Corporations
construction improvement and maintenance of
(CMC) etc. In the State, the average length of the
roads and bridges in the state.
PWD roads (viz.,NH, SH & MDR) per 100 [Link]
As on December 2004, the total road length in area is 39.34 kms.
the State was 1,44,130 km. comprising 3,973 Km.

PEOPLE
Among the districts, Mandya district has the
of National Highways, 17,252 Km. State Highways,
highest road length of 70.36 Km. and Kalaburagi
30,647 km. Major District Roads, 1620 km. of
district has the lowest length of 24.58 Km. Further,
other District Roads, 48,148 km. of Village Roads
the road lengths per 100 [Link] Chamarajanagar,
and 42, 490 km. of Other roads with an average of
Raichur, Bidar, Chikkaballapura, Vijayapura,
246 Km. Road length per one lakh population and
[Link], Yadgir, Chickmagalur, Kodagu,
an average road length of 70 Km. per 100 [Link].
Chitradurga, [Link],

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
area. As on March 2006, the total road length in
the state had gone upto 1,67,779 km. (comprising Ballari, Shivamogga, Kolar, Koppal & Udupi
of 52,205 km.s PWD roads and 1,15,574 Km. of districts are below State average. Since 2011-
Rural roads) while 3973 km. of National Highways, 12 there is no increase in the length of National
17,240 km. of State Highways and 30,992 km. of Highways, State Highways and Major District
Major District Roads is controlled by the PWD. Roads. As on March 2012, the country had 71,772
The remaining 1,15,574 Km. roads considered Km. National Highways/Express ways, 1, 54,522
as rural roads are being maintained by the Rural Km. State Highways, 2, 66,058 Km. Major District
Development and Panchayat Raj Department. The Roads, 36,17,240 Km. Other District Roads &

introduction
latter, include Other District Roads and Village Rural Roads . As against to it, the following table
Roads. Among the Rural Roads while 57,068 km. reveal the Road Statistics of Karnataka during
is surfaced, the remaining 58,506 km. roads is of 2011 and 2013.
unsurfaced nature.
As on 2008 March, the total road length in the Type of Road 2011 -12 2012-13
State had enhanced to 2,07,379 km. (comprising of
National Highways 4490 4490
62,654 km. maintained by PWD and 1,44,725 km.
State Highways 20770 20770
introduction

of rural roads) maintained by Rural Development

Panchayat Raj Department. The State’s road
Major District Roads 49959 49959
network consists of National Highways (NH),
State Highways (SH), Major District Roads (MDR), Municipal Roads 8366 8366
Municipal roads and other roads including village Other Roads 148412 148412
connectivity roads. The road development works
in the State is carried out by multiple agencies, All Roads 231997 231997
which include Public Works Department (PWD) of 345
 As on 2014 March, the state had a total 75171 Halagur, Malavalli, Sattegal, Kollegal, Yelandur,
Km. with 4668 Km. National Highways, 20577 K.M. Santhemarahalli and Chamrajanagar in the State
State Highways and 49906 Km. Major District were declared as NH-209 and NH-212 respectively
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

Roads. It comprised 69,813 Km. Cement and Black on June-July 1999 and the work is in progress.
top roads, 3552 Km. Macdam roads and 1806 Km. The Government of India has declared the 193 km.
Kaccha roads of Vijayapura-Hubballi road as the 13th National
All the National Highways and large extent of Highway in the State (NH-218) in October 2000. As
State Highways (98.7%) and 90% of Major District a result, as on 2000 March, there were 13 National
Roads are covered with blacktop. The carriage Highways traversing in the State totaling about
width details of the roads show that about 19% 3,524 km. The second phase of Hubballi-Dharwad
of National Highways, 1% of State Highways and by pass on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis
2% of Major District Roads have Four lane width. has been completed and commissioned for traffic.
Similarly, 67% of NH, 16% of SH and 1% of MDRs Under the Asian Development Loan Assistance, a
have two lane width. length of 25 km. of the NH-7 has been taken up
for converting it into four lanes (from Bengaluru
National Highways: The National Highways to Tamilnadu border near Hosur). In February
are very important highways which connect Metro- 2004, NH-218 has been further extended from
politan cities, State capitals, Ports etc. throughout Vijayapura upto Humnabad (220 km.s) via Jevargi
the country. The length of the National Highways in Kalaburagi district. As a result Kalaburagi
in 1961 was 1,269 km. and in 1981 it was about district also figures in the map of National
1,968 km. They were under the control of the Highways. Likewise the road linking Gundlupet
Central Government previously. Since, 1971, the with NH-212 has also been declared as NH-15
National highways are maintained by a separate in February 2004. As a result as on 31-03-2008,
wing of the State PWD, out of the Central funds. there were 15 National Highways (viz., N.H.-4,
As in 1992-93, there were seven National High- N.H-4A, N.H-44, N.H-9, N.H-13, N.H-17, N.H-48,
ways traversing in the State, with a total length of N.H-63, N.H-67, N.H-206, N.H-207, N.H-209, N.H-
1,997 km. National Highways are maintained and 212 , N.H-218 and N.H-234 passing through the
developed by respective zones with funds from State with a road length of 4490.71 km. excluding
Government of Karnataka, National Highway Au- the districts of Kodagu and Raichur which are
thority of India and Ministry of Road Transport & deprived of National Highways. All other districts
Highways, Government of India. have National Highways passing through their
The National Highways, the majority 2 lane Jurisdictions, Uttarkannada district with 331 km.
(one in each direction), constitute a total of about of NH, tops the list, Mandya and Gadag districts
65,000 km (40,000 miles), out of which 5,840 km with 73 km. and 74 km. are at the bottom.
(3,630 miles)is to be converted into “Swarna Cha- National Highway No.7 has been declared as NH-
thuspatha” or Golden Quadrilateral, a project com- 44 and it is the longest NH, which connect Varanasi
menced by the NDA Government led by [Link] Bi- (U.P) from Northern India to Kanyakumari (T.N) of
hari Vajpayee. Of which 4,885 km. (3,035 miles) South India traversing 2369 km. passing through
are median-separated express highways. In some six states (U.P, M.P, Maharastra, A.P, Karnataka
more developed areas it may broaden to 4 lanes. and T.N) with 134 km. in the State, of which
Closer to big cities, highways can even be of 8 98 km. of road between Bengaluru-Krishnagiri
lanes. Highways in India are around 2% of the to- coming under the Golden Quadri lateral highway
tal road network in the country, but carries nearly project.
40% of the total road traffic. The National High- The Golden Quadrilateral (GQ; 5,846 km)
ways (Amendment) Bill, 1995, provides for private connecting the four major cities of Delhi, Mumbai,
investment in the building and maintenance of Chennai and Kolkata. This project connecting
these arteries of India. four metro cities, would be 5,846 km (3,633 mi).
Total cost of the project is Rs.300 billion (US$6.8
The Kozhikode-Kollegal section passing through
billion), funded largely by the government’s special
Sultan Batheri, Gundlupet, Nanjangud, Mysuru,
[Link], Mugur, Uttamballi and the road petroleum product tax revenues and government
346 between Bengaluru-Dindigal via Kanakapura, borrowing.
 At the end of March 2014, there were 15
The North-South, and East-West Corridors,
National Highways traversing 4490.71Km. of road
comprising National Highways connecting the
in the state. Among them, National highway No.4

COMMUNICATIONS
four destination points in the four directions of

TRANSPORT AND
(at present 44), 63, 206 and 209 have 864.21 km.
the country viz., connecting Srinagar in the north
of four lane road, National highway No.4A, 9,13,
to Kanyakumari in the south, including spur
17,48,63,67,206,207,209,212,218 and 234 have
from Salem to Kanyakumari (Via Coimbatore and
2955.34 km. of two lane road. The longest National
Kochi) and Silchar in the east to Porbandar in the
Highway in the country is the NH7 which is runfrom
west. The total length of the network is 7,300 km
Varanasi to Kanyakumari passing through Uttar
(4,500 miles). It also includes Port connectivity
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Andhra
and other projects viz., 1,157 km (719 miles). The
Pradesh,Karnataka and Tamilnadu, covering
final date for its completion was February 28,
a distance of 4,572 km (2,841 miles), as of Sep
2009 at an estimated cost of Rs.350 billion (US$.
2011 as per National Highways Authority of India.

HISTORY
8 billion).
The shortest National Highway is the NH 47A
In January 2012, India announced the four (5.9 km (3.7 mile)), which connects Kundanoor
lane Golden Quadrilateral highway network as Junction of maradu in Kochi city to the Kochi port
completed. As of April 2012, 84.26% of the project at Willingdon Island. India has the distinction
had been completed and 15.7% of the project work of having the world’s highest drivable highway
is currently at progress. connecting Manali to Leh in Ladakh, Kashmir.
Details of Length & lane width of National Highways in Karnataka as on 31.03.2012

PEOPLE
Length Carriageway Width
NH
[Link] Nomenclature Km in
No. Single Intermediate Two Four
the State
Lane Lane Lane Lane
Madras -Kolar-Bengaluru-Hubballi-Belagavi-
1 4 699.59 0 0 0 699.59
Pune-Bombay
2 4A Belagavi-Khanapur-Anmod-Panaji 84.12 0 0 84.12 0

COMMUNICATION
Benaras-Nagapur-Hyderabad-Kurnool-Bagepalli-

TRANSPORT AND
3 7/44 Bengaluru-Hosur-Krishnagiri-Madurai-Cape 134.00 0 0 0 134.00
Camorin*
Poona-Sholapur-Humnabad-Hyderabad-
4 9 75.01 0 0 75.01 0
Vijayawada
Sholapur-Chitradurga-Channagiri-
5 13 Shivamogga-Thirthahalli-Sringeri-Karkala- 714.66 21.30 204.70 488.66 0
Mangaluru
Panavel-Panjim-Karwar-Coondapur-Udupi-
6 17 300.10 0 0 300.10 0
Mangaluru-Cannanore-Trichur
Bengaluru-Nelamangala-Kunigal-Hassan-
7 48 319.50 0 0 319.50 0
Sakaleshpur-Mangaluru

introduction
8 63 Ankola-Hubballi-Hosapete-Ballari-Gooty 368.60 0 0 362.20 6.40
Mettupalayam-Ooty-Gudalur-Gundlupet (On NH-
9 67 26.10 0 15.84 10.26 0
212)
10 206 Tumakuru- Shivamogga-Honnavar 370.63 14.00 44.00 292.43 20.20

Hosur (On NH-7)-Sarjapur-Devenahalli

11 207 122.38 0 0 122.38 0
-Doddaballapur-Dobbspet (On NH-4)
Dindigal-Pollachi-Coimbatore-Annur-
12 209 Satlyamangalam-Chamarajanagar- 203.52 0 30.20 169.30 4.02
Kollegal-Bengaluru
introduction

The Highway starting from its junction NH-17

near Kozhikode in Kerala connecting Mysuru
13 212 151.00 0 37.00 114.00 0
and terminating at its junction with NH-209 near
Kollegal in Karnataka
14 218 Humnabad-Jevargi-Vijayapura-Hubballi 412.00 0 3.00 409.00 0

15 234 Mangaluru – Thiruvanamalli section 509.50 18 245.08 246.42 0

* National Highway 7 has been declared recently as National Highway 44. 347
 The union department of road transport and State Highways: They are important joining
highways has given its nod for the up-gradation links connecting the district headquarters with
of seven state highways in Karnataka with a the state capital and interconnecting links
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

total length of 2,108 km into national highways. between the National Highways in the state. As
It is learnt that about Rs 25,000 crore would be on March 2005 there were altogether 105 State
invested for up gradation, land acquisition, and Highways running I the state having 17240 km.
construction of the above highways in the coming road length. As on March 2008, it has raised to
years. The roads to be converted into national 20769.78 km. with 156 state highways in the
highways are SH 50 with a length of 680 km, which state. While, Belagavi district with 2341 km.
connects SH 161 to NH 48 from Bidar, Humnabad, tops the list, Bengaluru (Urban) district with 171
Kalaburagi, Hosapete and Laxmisagar, SH 150A km. was at the bottom. The road widening work
from SH 50 at Jewargi to Chamarajanagar via on State Highway 17 (Mysuru-Bengaluru) and
Srirangaatna, Mysuru and Nanjangud (638 State Highway-19 (Srirangapattana-Bidar) has
km), SH 206 which connects Tumakuru and also brought the expected results with free traffic
Shivamogga via Arasikere (203 km), SH 173 from movement. As on 31-03-2013, the number of state
Moodigere to Chikkamagaluru and Kadur (72 km), highways has increased to157 and the total road
SH 275 from Bantwal to Bengaluru via Mysuru length has gone up to 20748.75, controlled by the
(367 km), SH 367 from Kukanur to Gadanakeri P.W.D. department. It is given in the succeeding
via Bagalkot (156 km), SH 150 E from Kalaburagi tables. Nomenclature of the state highways is
to Akkalkot in Maharashtra via Afzalpur (104 km), given at the end of the chapter.
SH 169 from Thirthahalli to Udupi via Agumbe.

Road Length (in Kms)

[Link] Name Of The District Total Road Length
NH SH MDR
1 2 3 4 5 6

1 Bengaluru (Urban) 147.00 96.70 686.69 930.39

2 Bengaluru (Rural) 205.00 193.60 650.60 1049.20

3 Ramanagara 73.00 315.53 1555.40 1943.93

4 Tumakuru 325.90 6631.25 3752.48 4709.63

5 Kolar 137.40 304.79 1081.05 1523.24

6 Chickballapur 148.00 263.88 928.04 1339.92

7 Mysuru 79.00 699.09 2497.60 3275.69

8 Chamarajanagar 190.00 339.26 995.21 1524.47

9 Mandya 73.00 484.36 2881.64 3439.00

10 Shivamogga 221.00 987.04 2006.48 3214.52

11 Chitradurga 167.00 612.64 2112.10 2891.74

12 Davangere 85.00 731.55 1612.10 2428.65

13 Hassan 252.16 985.17 3131.35 4368.68

14 Chikamagalur 176.25 610.21 1632.82 2419.28

15 Dakshina Kannada 266.00 528.80 774.85 1569.65

16 Udupi 142.00 353.71 790.98 1286.69

17 Kodagu 0.00 537.97 855.20 1393.17

South Zone 2687.71 8675.55 27944.59 39307.85

18 Dharwar 189.00 484.41 1389.50 2062.91

19 Gadag 74.00 709.52 1187.84 1971.36

348 20 Haveri 103.00 587.21 1843.67 2533.88

 21 Uttara Kannada 331.00 1238.71 2060.21 3629.92

22 Belagavi 201.00 2341.75 3040.62 5583.37

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
23 Bagalkote 126.00 879.01 1608.35 2613.36

24 Vijayapura 267.00 685.32 2440.91 3393.23

25 Ballari 181.00 1017.26 1804.54 3002.80

26 Raichur 0.00 1006.12 1506.81 2512.93

27 Koppal 124.00 709.02 1503.65 2336.67

28 Kalaburagi 125.00 1235.71 1400.95 2761.66

29 Yadgiri 0.00 486.06 1275.87 1761.93

30 Bidar 82.00 693.10 877.08 1652.18

HISTORY
North Zone 1803.00 12073.20 21940.00 35816.20

State Total 4490.71 20748.75 49884.59 75124.05

Source: P.W.D. Department

State Highways: Surface Feature and Carriageway Width (As on 31-03-2012)

Name Type of Surface Carriage way width (in Km)

Total

PEOPLE
[Link] Of The
Length Un- Single Intermediate Double Four
Zone C.C. B.T. W.B.M.
Surfaced Lane Lane Lane Lane
South
1 8685.07 23.51 8609.85 51,71 0 2793.43 4083.84 1612.61 195.21
Zone
North
2 12089.30 17.68 11852.75 157.95 60.92 5742.15 4692.80 1635.89 18.46
Zone
State
3 20774.37 41.19 20462.60 209.66 60.92 8535.58 8776.64 3248.48 213.67
Total

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
Source: P.W.D. Department

Major District Roads: As on March 2008, there was 49958.93 km. roads of this category in the State,
maintained by the PWD. Tumakuru district with 3,761 km was ranked first. Bengaluru district (Urban)
with 656.05 km. was at the bottom. Apart from this, there were 8366 km. of Municipal roads in city/
town limits maintained by corporations, city Municipal corporations etc., As on march 2013, 49884.59
km. MDR roads existed in the State.

Major District Roads, District Wise : Surface Feature and carriage way width (in Km)

introduction
(As on 31-03-2012)
Total Type of Surface Carriage way width (in Km)
Name Of The
[Link] Length (in Un- Single Intermediate Double Four
zone C.C. B.T. W.B.M.
Km) Surfaced Lane Lane Lane Lanes
South 27951.96 2117.15
1 70.66 24944.38 819.77 23463.60 4025.64 404.26 58.46
Zone

North 19764.12 150.39

2 21953.60 40.54 1223.92 925.02 19542.69 2256.49
Zone 4.03
introduction

State 554.65
3 49905.56 111.20 44708.50 3341.07 1744.79 43006.29 6282.13
Total 62.49

Other District Road: Excluding major district roads, other roads were considered as other District
Roads till 1984. Later these roads were joined with village roads and considered as Rural Roads under
the maintenance of Zilla Panchayat.
Rural Roads: The total length of rural roads in the State is 104034 Kms. Out of this 23511Kms. 349
 is asphalted. Roads with macadam surface, less of Rs. 9.63 crore was spent in the Sixth Plan
than about 40,000 Km. is considered as all-weath- period, for constructing about 1,803 km. of new
er roads. Improvement of Roads and their mainte- roads. Between 1985-86 to 1991-92, an amount
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

nance is the responsibility of the Zilla Panchayats of Rs.1.60 crore was incurred for constructing
since 1987. The technical supervision is the re- 77km. of new roads and some other Master Plan
sponsibility of Rural Development and Panchayat Rural Roads (1st Phase [Link]). Besides this,
Raj Department. Improvement of Roads and their Minimum Needs Programme was started during
maintenance is being done through the district 1974-75 and a sum of Rs.53.77 crores was spent
sector Roads & Bridges schemes, Employment for connecting 1,398 villages with all-weather
generation schemes and Pradhan Manthri Gram approach roads from 1974-95 to 1991-92. As
Sadak Yojana etc., Accordingly, at the end of a result, till the end of 1991-92, 12649 villages
March 2011, among the total 1,47,212 km. of Ru- were linked with All-weather roads. It constitutes
ral roads, there were 45,166 km. of metalled road, 47% of the total inhabited villages in the State
25,032 km. macadam roads (roads formed by us- numbering 27,028. As many as 6,747 villages
ing two quantity of jelly, were called macadam were provided with Fair weather Roads and 7,433
roads-named after John Lowdan Makdum (1756- with Katcha roads which accounted for 25% and
1836) of Scotland, who formed roads in 1820 us- 27% respectively. The rest of the 199 villages were
ing this method) and 77,104 km. of kutcha roads. without approach roads. The Halli Heddari scheme
The Rural roads are developed and maintained was started in 1984-85. Under this scheme, till the
under Prime Minister’s Grama Sadak, NABARD, end of 1991-92, 167 villages having a population
Chief Minister’s Rural Road Development Rural of less than 1000 were provided with all-weather
Communication, Our village-Our Road and such roads. The expenditure incurred was Rs.827.26
other programmes. Roads maintained by Taluk lakhs. The scheme of approach roads to colonies
Development Board, Irrigation, Forest, Corpora- of the Scheduled Castes was launched in 1983-84.
tion, City Municipality, Town Municipality and A sum of Rs.37.13 crores were spent from 1983-
Town Panchayat are in the State. 84 to 1991-92, for constructing about 2,099 km.
of road length. Construction of roads under public
Rural Communication Programme: For the participation was launched in 1986-87, to give
benefit of the rural population in the state, the high priority to the rural road works which have
Rural Communication Programme was launched local people’s participation. The Zilla Parishads
in 1959-60. Its objective was to provide all-weather also executed this programme. During 1987-88
roads to important villages, construction of to 1991-92 about 113 km. of Grama Panchayat
missing links and construction of cross drainages roads were constructed/improved and an amount
(culverts) with a linear water way of more than 20 of Rs.161.53 lakhs were spent. The Government
feet on P.W.D. roads. has approved to upgrade 10,000 km. of rural
During the Chief-Engineers’ Conference, a roads to that of Major District Roads and since
road development programme for twenty years 1995, road development in each constituency has
(1961-1981) was chalked out. This plan envisaged been started as a special scheme. Since 1996, road
improvements to the existing roads or upgrading development in Sugar factory areas has also been
or new construction of additional roads. The Public started. In 1995, World Bank aid being sought
Works Department undertook a survey in 1970-71, for State Highway improvement and NABARD
to ascertain the number of villages connected by loan is sought to improve rural communications
all-weather roads or any type of roads. This survey in the State. The government has constituted
revealed that out of 26,286 inhabited villages, “Karnataka Road Development Corporation” in
10,299 villages were connected by metalled and June 99, with its registered office at Bengaluru
all-weather roads, 9,865 villages were connected with an authorized initial share capital of Rs.200
by unmetalled roads and the remaining 6,122 crores aimed at improving roads, bridges etc., with
villages were not connected by any roads. developmental programmes. It has taken up the
For providing speedy accessibility to villages, up gradation of five roads with the financial aid
Integrated Comprehensive Rural Communication of Rs.750 crores from HUDCO. By March 2000
Programme was started in 1972-73. An amount among the 27,066 inhabitant villages in the State,
350 15800 villages have all-weather roads, 8,026
villages have Fair weather roads, and 3137 villages have Katcha roads and the remaining 103 villages
were not connected by any road. But due to various steps taken up by the State Government village
roads have been improved to a greater extent. As a result, by 2008, there were 24710 villages with all

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
weather Roads, 6,540 villages with fair weather Roads, 3376 villages with Katcha roads and 17 villages
unconnected by any road in the State. By 2010 March, the State had 66,791Km. All-weather road,
25,863 Km. Good road, and 54,558 Katcha roads.
Details of Rural Road Communication Condition in the State
Year All-weather road (Km.) Good road (Km.) Kutcha Surface Road (Km.)

2008-09 64,116 27,630 55,458

2009-10 65,904 26,450 54,858

2010-11 66,791 25,863 54,558

HISTORY
Karnataka Road Development Agency was established in 1999 as a State Government Enterprise
to improve the infrastructure of roads in the State. The Corporation has constructed 613 bridges and
developed 855 Km. of road. Later action has been taken to improve rural communication through various
schemes. Under the Prime Minister’s Grama Sadak programme(PMGSY) started in December 2000 in
the State to connect all-weather roads to inhabited villages with a population of more than 500. A road
length of 14,773.64 Km. of road was metalled by December 2011. In order to effectively implement this
programme, Karnataka Rural Road Development Corporation was formed in October 2005. As a result,
the villages without rural road communication have been declining. At the end of March 2011, there

PEOPLE
were 2,235 inhabitations without road communication in the State.

Table: Rural Connectivity (Km.)in Karnataka

Villages
All weather
Year Good Roads Earthen Roads unconnected by
Roads

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TRANSPORT AND
Road (Nos.)
1997-98 15800 6551 4612 103
1998-99 16305 6419 4255 87
1999-00 16857 6099 4045 65
2000-01 17442 5764 3819 41
2001-02 17802 5462 3769 33
2002-03 17802 5649 3582 33
2003-04 18295 5860 3501 27

introduction
2004-05 20934 6065 3473 20
2005-06 22454 6146 3422 20
2006-07 23801 6232 3407 17
2007-08 24710 6540 3376 17
2008-09 64116 27630 55458 1718
2009-10 65904 26450 54858 2235
2010-11 66791 25863 54558 2235
introduction

2011-12 68649 24748 53815 2235

Bridges: The Sethubandhana Programme was commenced with the aim of constructing cross drainages
on Non-PWD roads in the rural areas. In 1956, the number of bridges having 30.4 metre linear water
ways was 304. In 1985-86 at a cost of Rs.90.07 lakhs, 184 cross Drainage Works were completed. With
an expenditure of Rs.154.09 lakhs, 258 works were completed during 1991-92. A scheme was started
to provide cross-drainage having a linear water way of less than six metres. Since 1985-86 to 1991-92,
as many as 346 cross-drainage works were completed. The pace of the bridge construction was speeded 351
 up and in 1991-92, there were 1,204 bridges in 1963-64. The movement of vehicles as per census
the State. Compared to 33,066 minor bridges in of 2009-10 compared to the road census of 1970-
1978, the minor bridges which included culverts 71 is given below. The Road Traffic Census was
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

also on all the categories of roads were 97,473 at conducted in 2013 also in Karnataka.
the end of 31-03-1992. By 1998 there were 97,781
culverts, 13990 minor bridges (6-60m) and 469 Average vehicular
Percentage
Average
of increase
major bridges (60m and above) built across all Category of movement P.C.U. annual
in vehicular
Roads (passenger car increase
movement
category of roads. As on march 2003, there were unit)
from 1970-71
2009-10
altogether 72,447 (including culverts, minor and
major) bridges on the roads maintained by the PWD National
2,572 25,610 895.70 23.57
Highway
Department viz., National Highway, State Highway
and Major District Roads. They comprised 62,757 State Highway 1,115 9,321 735.96 18.40
culverts (of 6mt), 10,241 minor bridges (6-30mt.)
and 449 major bridges (30 mt. and above). Major District
806 3,704 359.55 8.99
Roads
Among them 6,080 bridges were situated
on National Highways, 20,683 bridges on State
Highways and 45,684 bridges on Major District Bengaluru City and its Fly-overs: Bengaluru
Roads. As on March 2006, there were 486 major is India’s third largest city and ranks fifth so far
bridges ranging between 60 mt. to 300 mt. and as metropolitan area is concerned. Bengaluru’s
above, were in existence on various rivers and road network exceeds 3,000 km. (1,800 mi) and
streams in the State. Among them, Dakshina consists of Ring_road, Arterial_roads, sub-arterial
Kannada district with 34 topped the list and roads and residential streets. The city road
Bengaluru Urban District had no major river bridge network is mainly radial, converging in the centre.
worth mentioning. As on March 2007, of the 524 The main roads of Bengaluru coming into the city
major briges in the State, 309 were located in the include Ballari Raod in the north, Tumakuru Road
south zone, the remaining 215 were situated in , Mysuru Road in the west, NH_209 ,Kanakpura
north zone. Road,Bannerghatta_Road,Hosur_Road in the south
At the end of March 2011, there were 1,18,346 and HAL_Airport and Chennai (Old Madras)Road
bridges in the State consisting of 1,01,526 cross in the east. Many of Bengaluru’s erstwhile colonial
drainages with less than 6 metre linear water way, and town streets were developed into commercial
16,245 minor bridges with 6 to 60 metre linear and entertainment areas after independence.
water way, and 575 major bridges with more than The B.V.K Iyengar Road became the retail hub of
60 metre of linear water way. Out of these, 6,400 Bengaluru, while MG. Road, Commercial Street
cross drainages, 1,115 small bridges, 69 major and Brigade_Road became important shopping,
bridges were located on National Highways, 29,116 recreation and corporate areas. Consequently,
cross drainages, 5,157 minor bridges, 277 major traffic increased exponentially, especially on MG
bridges were on State Highway, and 66,010 cross
drainages, 9,982 minor bridges and 229major
bridges were located on Major District Roads.

Road Census: In order to improve the quality

of roads, a census of movement of vehicles,
transportation of goods, and the impact of pressure
on different categories of road will be undertaken
for a period of one week from day and night, once
in 5 years and on select roads a model census of
movement of vehicles for 2 days (48 hours) once
in a year will be conducted. The road census was
conducted for the first time in the State in 1961-62
352 and the first model road census was conducted in
Fly-over, Hebbal, Bengaluru
 COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
HISTORY
Fly-over, Near K.R. Market Bengaluru

Road, which forms the main artery for the city’s to the Outer Ring Road and covers 108.9 km. The
east-west traffic. But for MG Road, other roads in Hosur Road, which connects Bengaluru to the
and around the erstwhile Parade Ground remain Electronic City, is heavily congested and is part
narrow, winding roads. Bengaluru’s vehicular of the National Highway (NH7), therefore witness

PEOPLE
traffic has increased manifold, with 1.6 million heavy truck traffic as well.
registered vehicles in the city – the second highest The Fly-over built in Bengaluru city, linking
for an Indian city, after New [Link] maintenance Sirsi Circle with Corporation via City Market, the
and construction of roads to address the growing longest of its kind in Asia has reduced the traffic
traffic in the city has been a challenge to the BDA pressure near City Market and Mysuru circle
and the BBMP. Development of the city road considerably. Likewise among the other Fly-overs,

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
infrastructure has revolved around imposing one- the one connecting Richmond Circle with Kengal
way traffic in certain areas, improving traffic flow Hanumanthaiah Double Road: another built on
in Junctions by constructing ring roads, bridges, NH-4 near Krishnarajapuram (unique for its cable
flyovers and other Grade_separators. Six high stay bridge): fly-over built at Dairy circle (Hosur
volume junctions were identified for improvements, Road), at National College: at Malleshwaram
through a Public private_partnership involving Circle: at Basaveshwara Nagar, at Hebbal
corporate sponsors and various state government Tank, at Marathalli and Mekri Circle (Ballari
agencies, such as the_Siddapur Road and Hosur Road) at Yeshwanthpur, at Jayadeva Hospital,
Road junctions, sponsored by Infosys; the Airport

introduction
at Rajajinagar entrance, at Palace Guttahalli,
Road and Intermediate Ring Road junction Kadirenahalli ; Domlur ;Koramangala Sony World,
sponsored by the Tata_Groups. Flyovers were Kaggadasapura, Madiwala Checkpost, Electronic
constructed in the city to ease traffic congestion. City, Nagawara Junction ,Intersection Of Outer
Newer flyovers were planned for the city for 2006 Ring Road and Mysuru Road at Nayandahalli
and beyond. etc.,are few more examples which reflect on the
Some of the fly-overs and one-ways mitigated action taken by the government to improve the
the traffic situation moderately; however the traffic movement in the city. Likewise the railway
volume of traffic continues to grow at an annual under bridges constructed near fire brigade station
introduction

rate of between 7–10%. The Outer Ring Road was in Mysuru is worth mentioning. Like wise over
initially constructed to ease truck congestion in bridges have been constructed at different places
the city, however the growth of suburbs reduced in the state.
the positive impact of the ring road. Bengaluru The Government has signed an agreement with
Development Authority is laying additional lanes the Kalyani groups of India for the construction
on many of the major roads around Bengaluru. The of Bengaluru-Mysuru Express Highway to be
Peripheral Ring Road is designed to be concentric executed by the Kalyani Group of Companies on 353
 its own investment, to be maintained for 30 years, of Karnataka, there were 25,976 registered motor
handing it over in motorable condition to the vehicles. Their total number stood at 17,18,494
State Government after recouping the expenditure in 1992-93. Among the vehicles, the two wheelers
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

incurred along with profit by way of toll fixed in were 12,30,200 and 1,59,888 were motor cars.
consent with the State Government at regular Besides Commercial Vehicles, those on the farm
intervals. The Bengaluru–Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor front too, received a boost with the increase in
(BMIC) also called NICE road (111 km length - 69 minutes the number of tractors from 20,561 in 1956-57
journey) is a proposed 4 to 6 lane private tolled express to 52,592 in 1992-93. The total number of motor
highway that intends to connect the two important cities of vehicles in the state as on 31-3-1994 was 1,87,537
Bengaluru and Mysuru. This is being constructed which included 1,67,207 motor cars, 20,237 buses
by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) (including 16,190 [Link]) and 81,869
chaired by Ashok Kheny on Build-Own-Operate- goods carriers. As on December 1999, there were
Transfer (BOOT) basis. The NICE peripheral road is 32,60,663 registered motor vehicles in the State.
available to public over since years . This is a tolled They include 23,38,021 two wheelers, 3,00,687
road connecting all important highways going out Motor Cars, 38,990 Jeeps, 16,711 Cabs, 1,16,487
of Bengaluru at particular intersections. This is goods vehicles, 27,743 Omni Buses, 1,40,238 Auro-
a huge project What we have now is the outer rikshaws, 20,876 K.S.R.T.C. Buses, 6,302 Private
Peripheral road linking Hosur road and Tumakuru Buses, 98,406 Tractors, 99,015 Trailers, 574
road. On Tumakuru road, the NICE road starts Contract Carriers, besides 56,713 other vehicles
near BIEC (Bengaluru International Exhibition with an over hall increase of 9.17% during 1998-
Centre) – has a intersecting at Magdi road, Mysuru 99. By March 2000, there were 33,51,076 motor
road, Bannerghatta road and Kanakapura road. vehicles registered in the state with Bengaluru
Though this 41 km road is a tolled road, it has division having highest number (17,84,812) of
helped many people to avoid Bengaluru’s traffic registered motor vehicles in the State. The same
mess. It also keeps trucks away from the city had gone upto 44,61,105 by the end of March 2003.
roads. The Hosur Road-Bannerghatta Road (8.744 It included 32,45,652 motor cycles and scooters,
Km.); Bannerghatta-Kanakapura Road (6.791 4,28,437 motor cars, 24,032 cabs, 1,74,151
Km.); Kanakapira-Clover Leaf1/C (4.365); Clover Autorikshaws, 40,930 Omni buses, 1,48,025
Leaf1/C-Mysuru Road (3.880 Km.); Mysuru Road- goods vehicles and 3,99,878 other vehicles. By
Magadi Road (9.545 Km.); and Magadi Road- 2007 March, the state had 69,39,710 registered
Tumakuru Road (7.475 Km.) called Peripheral vehicles and among the districts, if Bengaluru
roads (41 Km.); and a Link Road (8.1 Km.) are tops the table with 27,60,766 registered vehicles,
tolled roads maintained by NICE. Chamarajanagar with 45,530 registered vehicles
Transport Department: Till 1989, called touched the bottom. The Transport Department
as Motor Vehicle Department, it was started in is one of the major revenue earning departments
1957 and entrusted with the work of registration in Karnataka and the following table gives the
and tax collection of motor vehicles, issuing of district wise Registered Motor Vehicles as on the
permits, driver’s and conductor’s licenses etc., December 1999, March2003, 2007, 2008, 2009
to the public in accordance with the provisions and 2011. At the end of March 2011, in Bengaluru
of 1) The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Central Act urban district with 37,91,318 registered motor
59 of 1988), 2) Central Motor Vehicles Rules vehicles occupies the first place and Yadgir district
1989, 3) The Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules with 54997 registered motor vehicles occupies
1989 4) The Karnataka Motor Vehicles Taxation the last place. By March 2012 the total number
Act 1957 (Karnataka Act 35 of 1957) and 5) of vehicles registered in the state has increased
Karnataka Motor Vehicles Taxation Rules 1957. to 1,09,09,000, and by the end of 2012 August,
The transport commissioner is the head of this it further increased to 1,13,93,000. As on March
Department assisted by 6 joint commissioners, 2014, altogether 1,33,35,106 registered vehicles
5 Deputy Commissioners, 43 Regional Transport were in State, with Bengaluru Division (62,67,965)
officer as well as other officers and staff. The State Mysuru Division (14,65,781), Shivamogga Division
has 43 Regional transport offices and 13 Assistant (20,06,980), Belagavi Division (23,25,691), and
Regional Transport offices. At the time of integration Kalaburagi Division (12,68,689) having registered
354 vehicles as mentioned in the brackets.
 District wise Registered Motor Vehicles in Karnataka
Sl. December March
District March 2003 March 2008 March 2009 March 2011
No. 1999 2007

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
1. Bengaluru (Urban) 11,69,461 13,70,291 2,70,076 30,09,565 32,40,740 37,91,318

Bengaluru (Rural)
2. 1,35,982 1,42,403 1,93,776 1,97,155 1,08,633 1,22,594
(including Ramangar dt.)

3. Ramanagar Newly formed in 2007 1,01,187 2,03,454 2,42,472

4. Chitradurga 42,881 59,425 92,841 1,05,050 1,19,541 1,48,934

5. Davanagere 94,514 1,30,244 1,85,322 2,03,772 2,48,744 2,88,132

Kolar (including
6. 89,391 1,19,246 1,84,073 1,35,307 1,46,414 1,49,270
Chickballapur dt)

HISTORY
7. Chickballapur Newly formed in 2007 62,261 71,578 88,150

8. Shivamogga 1,07,743 1,50,025 2,14,542 2,32,320 2,26,499 2,87,944

9. Tumakuru 98,561 1,36,691 2,14,349 2,41,804 2,70,126 3,15.155

10. Belagavi 2,20,781 3,00,082 4,33,038 4,67,354 4,80,692 6,13,895

11. Vijayapura 49,430 78,700 1,11,826 1,23,888 1,25,917 1,52,609

PEOPLE
12. Bagalkot 51,383 73,573 1,19,507 1,34,458 1,50,494 1,86,611

13. Dharwad 1,30,528 1,69,677 2,43,744 2,65,042 2,62,984 3,38,481

14. Gadag 32,916 42,573 61,944 67,897 75,005 89,345

15. Haveri 36,739 59,583 92,961 1,02,398 1,14,522 1,44,016

16. Uttara Kannada 69,871 97,952 1,33,369 1,44,583 1,68,200 2,00,484

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
17. Ballari 89,208 1,20,811 1,88,011 2,20,135 2,28,203 2,92,691

18. Bidar 37,319 50,341 74,453 83,163 90,964 1,01,836

19. Kalaburagi 80,629 1,21,189 1,83,699 2,04,307 1,83,234 2,12,779

20. Yadair Newly formed in 2000 45,123 54,997

21. Raichur 40,057 61,684 98,364 1,00,436 1,23,445 1,55,306

introduction
22. Koppal 25,594 3,91,779 62,716 69,203 79,561 99,063

23. [Link] 53,327 71,280 1,05,077 1,16,890 1,28,044 1,56,258

24. Dakshina Kannada 1,46,709 1,95,444 2,85,241 3,13,462 3,61,502 4,23,409

25. Udupi 58,531 84,146 1,26,566 1,39,228 1,53,044 1,81,186

26. Hassan 66,089 89,737 1,38,675 1,54,679 1,70,864 2,02,203

introduction

27. Coorg 41,765 47,267 63,934 69,723 76,413 88,638

28. Mandya 51,968 71,233 1,11,127 1,29,240 1,46,327 1,68,883

29. Mysuru 2,20,281 2,81,637 4,14,088 4,53,543 4,35,352 5,64,755

30. Chamarajanagar 19,005 2,60,911 45,530 52048 58,583 69,069

STATE TOTAL 32,60,663 44,61,15 69,3910 75,19,098 82,94,202 99,30,483

355
 Division Wise Vehicles Registered And Kept For Use
In Karnataka State As On 31-03-2014
TOTAL IN
SL. CATEGORY OF BENGALURU MYSURU SHIVAMOGGA BELAGAVI KALABURAGI
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

KARNATAKA
NO VEHICLES DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
STATE
1 TWO WHEELERS
a Scooter 746784 445389 504821 250614 105196 2052804
b Moped 751955 272640 491890 740406 177998 2434889
c Motor cycle 2892273 381517 398553 714417 659439 5046199
Total 4391012 1099546 1395264 1705437 942633 9533892
2 Cars 1068916 123786 200561 126927 52331 1572521
3 Jeep 8583 7924 12684 7206 7890 44287
4 Omni buses 52821 9841 12060 30268 15394 120384
5 Tractors 70334 54272 80208 131237 77157 413208
6 Trailors 43155 33590 55649 105029 45678 283101
Construction
7 3417 508 3047 1124 564 8660
Equipment vehicle
8 Other vehicles 28602 9552 15839 11642 3838 69473
Total Non-Transport 5666840 1339019 1775312 2118870 1145485 12045526
9 TRANSPORT VEHICLE
Multi Axled
a 36140 2086 5617 6948 3225 54016
Articulated
b Trucks & lorries 69796 22193 49875 39998 25111 206973
Total 105936 24279 55492 46946 28336 260989
10 LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES
a Four Wheelers 74324 22636 29112 37452 17244 180768
b Three wheelers 50235 15109 16559 18671 12924 113498
Total 124559 37745 45671 56123 30168 294266
11 BUSES
a Stage Carriages 17576 4379 4940 8646 2715 38256
b Contract Carriages 1326 107 160 312 197 2102
Private Service
c 8666 397 3078 583 502 13226
Vehicle
Educational
d 9377 1027 1161 770 1162 13497
Institution Buses
e Other Buses 5909 118 1778 438 205 8448
Total 42854 6028 11117 10749 4781 75529
12 TAXIES
a Motor cabs 48028 9356 22349 15722 9338 104793
b Maxi Cabs 31716 6378 14486 10498 6712 69790
c Other Taxies 5071 688 702 33 150 6644
Total 84815 16422 37537 26253 16200 181227
13 LM V(psngr)
a Three Seaters(A/R) 165044 27794 51403 42442 25882 312565
b Four to Six Seaters 27605 1741 3928 1985 1320 36579
Total 192649 29535 55331 44427 27202 349144
Other vehicles not
14 50312 12753 26520 22323 16517 128425
covered above
Total Transport 601125 126762 231668 206821 123204 1289580
Total Trans+Non-
6267965 1465781 2006980 2325691 1268689 13335106
356 Transport
 The transport department has been issuing the Transport Department had issued 2,40,285
computerized documents in all its 56 Regional Blue Plastic Cards for two wheelers, 40789 Green
Transport Offices of the State, since 25-06-2009 Plastic Cards to LMVs, 1,53,219 Red Plastic Cards

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
and smart cards using micro processor based 15 to both two wheelers and LMVs and 5,667 Khaki
KB chip inserted in plastic cards were issued for Plastic Cards to HTVs were issued since 1985. In
Driving Licenses and Motor Vehicle Registration cities like Bengaluru, Plastic license cards, being
Certificates. At the end of March 2011, 16 lakh issued by using video image and superior quality
Motor Vehicle licenses, and 15 lakh Motor Vehicle cards is being given to the license holders.
Registration with a total of 31lakhs smart cards Under South Zone permit scheme without the
were issued. countersignature on the basis of single point tax
The Transport Commissioner is the Chairman of remittance agreement for inter-state permit were
the Karnataka State Transport Authority, a Quasi- made in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,

HISTORY
Judicial body, in accordance with section 68 of the Kerala, Goa and Pondicherry State and centrally
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This Authority has two administered areas. In order to implement the
other official members also and it grants permits to Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 and to avoid loop-
tourist or passenger vehicles or goods carriages as holes in tax collection, there are 15 check posts
per Inter-State Agreements. The District Regional in border areas of Attibele, Nangali,Bagepalli,
Transport Authorities under this State office, Gowribidanur, Gundlupet, Talapadi, Humnabad,
grants permit to the transport vehicles or renew Aland, Kagganahalli (Nippani), Ramnagar, Jhalaki,
or cancel them. The Deputy Commissioner is the Rayalpad, Chikkahole dam, Hagari, and Kagawadi.
chairman of the District with Superintendent of During 2010-11, `.6,956 lakhs of revenue were

PEOPLE
Police as member and Regional Transport Officer collected through these check posts.
as Ex-Office Secretary. Due to the growth of cities and employment
In accordance with section 56 of Motor Vehicles opportunities and the increased use of petrol and
Act of 1988, transport vehicles are expected to diesel, in order to create public awareness on air
possess permits and as such permits are issued pollution, the month of November every year is
as per rules to transport vehicles during the being celebrated as ‘air pollution control’ month,

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
Registration and within a stipulated time after by the Transport department. In order to check air
inspection by the officers. Accordingly during pollution environmental friendly autorikshaws,
2010-11, 2,03,208 permits have been issued and with four stroke engine, fitted with electronic
3,70,148 permits were renewed with a revenue digital meter and in order to easily identify the
collection of `.19.07 crores. upper part with light yellow and the lower portion
Registration Certificate issued to registered with green colour are encouraged by the Transport
non-transport vehicles as per section 41 of Motor department.
Vehicles Act 1988 valid for 15 years has to be In accordance with Motor Vehicle Act 1957,

introduction
renewed for next 5 years. During 2010-11, 69,821 tax has been fixed for all motor vehicles suitable
Registration Certificates have been renewed and to use on road and persons owning 500 and
`.1.09 crores of revenue was collected through more vehicles are categorized as Fleet Owners.
fees and fines. The Transport Commisssioner has the authority
This department is authorized to issue both to fix tax for them. Excluding the Fleet vehicles,
Driver’s and Conductor’s Licenses and by the end Regional Transport Officers and Assistant Regional
of December 1990, 28,12,183 driver’s and 3,84,679 Transport Officers have powers to fix tax for other
conductor’s licenses were issued. Likewise, by vehicles. The Karnataka State Road Transport
introduction

December 2002, they went upto 35,56,560 and Corporation is the only Fleet owner in the State.
7,30,797 respectively. They went on increasing Life time tax is being imposed on two wheelers,
and as on 2011 March there were 94,61,161 vehicles with 5,500 Kg. of weight, passenger
driving licenses and 723016 conductors licenses in Autorikshaws including three wheeled vehicles,
the State. As on March 2008, they had gone upto tractors used for agriculture, trailor, cars, jeeps,
62,71,528 and 9,45,869 respectively. Under the Omnibus of 5 Sq. meter and private service vehicles.
scheme of issuing Plastic Driving License Cards, Green tax is imposed on non-transport vehicles of
more than 15 years and the tax collected is being
357
 used for control of air pollution activities under 6497 persons died and 50,395 persons were
the guidance of the Government. injured. In that year Bengaluru district with 9249
accident cases, resulting in 912 deaths and 6999
As per the Central Govt. Motor Vehicle
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

injuries. During the years 2010 and 2011, there

Act of 1989, to check air pollution, Transport
were accidents with 775 and 751 deaths as well
Department has made Smoke Emission Control
as 3363 and 3003 accidents with no loss of lives,
Test compulsory in the State since 1993 and
respectively.
as a result, there were 468 Smoke Emission
Checking Centres in the State, of which 288 are in
Bengaluru. Since January 1998, the government Public Conveyance
has restricted issuing Auto permits in Bengaluru
Prior to 1948, public conveyance was solely
City. Autorikshaw drivers’ accident relief fund has
in the hands of private entrepreneurs. In earlier
been created to provide a relief of Rs.50,000 to the
times, bullock, buffaloes, ass and horses were the
family of the auto drivers who die or permanently
main means of transport. Kavadis and Bullok Carts
become disabled due to accidents. The department
were used to carry goods. Bullock Carts and Horse
has earned revenue of `.320 crores at the end of
Carriages transported people. In 1911, Public
December 1999 and by the end of March 2011, the
Traffic Control act was implemented in Mysuru and
revenue rose to `.2512 crores. Computerization
in 1920, there were already private buses serving
of the department is under progress. Radio Taxi
the public. Around 1935, their number was 100.
facilities being introduced in Bengaluru city to
The Mysuru Traffic Board started in 1936 in old
provide better transport facilities to the public
Mysuru area controlled the public conveyance.
and 126 radio taxis are serving on the roads of
Bengaluru. It is proposed to provide the same After independence, when nationalization
facility even to the other important towns like of roads was initiated in 1948, Mysuru State
Mysuru, Hubballi, Dharwad and Belagavi. As per Road Transport Department (MGRTD) came
the motor vehicle act, the department is insisting into existence on 12th September 1948 with 20
on the adoption of speed breakers to transport buses. By 1949, it had 120 buses covering 81
and goods vehicles and has made it compulsory schedules and 15,000 km. road mileage catering
from 2008. But the Goods vehicle owners have to 4000 passengers. Although the nationalization
expressed their dissatisfaction over this issue. of Road Transport in Hyderabad State had been
initiated as early as 1936, with the Hyderabad
During 2012-13,the Transport Department has
Nizam railway and the State Road Transport
further planned to control overloading in goods
Department established during 1932, its impact
vehicles, weigh-in motion systems at Kognolli and
was very limited. Contrary to this, in Bombay
Humnabad border Check posts will be established.
Presidency nationalization of Road Transport
Online collection of vehicle registration data from
was implemented in 1948, was extended even to
authorized dealers for rendering speedy services
Belagavi Division in 1950 with the name “State
will be [Link] test the skill of the candidates
Transport Corporation”. At the time of Unification
scientifically and accurately before granting them
in 1956, it received 825 buses and 778 scheduled
driving license, automated driving test track at
routes from Bombay, Hyderabad and Old Mysuru
Hassan, Kalaburagi and Bengaluru (Electronic
States. By 1957 it ranked fourth at national level
city) RTOs jurisdiction will be [Link]
with 1100 buses under its control. As per the
Inspection and Certification Centres at Mysuru
Central Road Transport Corporation Act of 1950,
and Dharwad RTOs jurisdiction will be established.
this department became a Corporation of 1961
For these initiatives, `.30 crore is being provided.
and after 1973 came to be called as Karnataka
Midway Plaza facilities will be established at
State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). By
important locations. `.30 crore is being provided
1982, it ranked fifth at national level with five
for setting up truck terminals.
Regional Offices located at Bengaluru (2), Mysuru
Road Accidents: Road accidents occurred Belagavi and Kalaburagi, having control over 12
during the last five years are alarming. During divisions and 68 depots. It has 5700 passenger
2001-02, there were 33,000 accidents resulting buses covering 3,855 scheduled routes of 11.20
in 5,805 deaths and 42,193 persons suffered lakh km. route mileage per day and providing
358 injuries. During 2004-05 due to 38,869 accidents service to 20.9 lakh passengers.
 In November 1985, the process of nationlisation
of road was completed in Kalaburagi, Bidar,
Vijayapura, Ballari, Hassan and Raichur districts

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
and partial nationlisation being under taken in the
districts of Kolar, Bengaluru {Rural and Urban},
Mysuru and [Link]. By 1991, KSRTC had
6 Regional offices, 14 divisions and 91 Depot with
7,602 scheduled routes and 8,824 buses, with an
annual income of 404.82 crores. As on March 1997,
the KSRTC had 19 divisions, 109 depots with 8,493
schedules, 13,273 routes of 9.491 lakh km. route
and 31.01 lakhs of daily km. service to the public
BMTC Bus stand, Majestic Bengaluru
with daily revenue of `.350.38 lakhs. On 15th

HISTORY
August 1997, the government divided KSRTC into The Karnataka State Road Transport
KSRTC (Old Mysuru-Hyderabad area), Bengaluru Corporation with Bengaluru as its headquarters,
Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has been operating in 17 districts of Southern
(Bengaluru City); and on 1-11-1997, the North Karnataka, with 12 divisions, 66 bus depots, 10
Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation workshops, one press, 3 training centres and 124
(NWKRTC) with its headquarters at Hubballi, bus stations, providing transport service to 13,330
Gadag, Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, Vijayapura and villages with a workforce of 36758 and fleet size
Bagalkot divisions was inaugurated. of 7783,. The Corporation has earned a revenue

PEOPLE
Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation of `.1,746 crores in 2009-10 and `.2,078 crores
(BMTC) separated from KSRTC on 15-08-1997, is in 2010-11. It is providing safe transport service
entrusted with the work of serving the public of in Tumakuru and Hassan districts. It is operating
Bengaluru Metropolitan City with sincerity and 25.74 lakh kms, per day earning a daily revenue
punctuality. Prior to its separation, it was looked of ` 6.71 crore, carrying 25.00 lakh commuters
after by Bengaluru city Transports (North and South and also providing services to 13330 villages out

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
divisions) through 13 depots with 1839 schedules, of 20196 villages in the State. It is paying 5.5%
1991 buses and a central workshop. BMTC covers of Motor vehicle tax on traffic revenue and during
Bengaluru city with 30km. radius and by March the year 2011-12 it has paid Motor vehicle tax of
1998 it had 2088 buses and 1934 schedules (740 `.116.83 crores.
city 925 sub-urban and 269 Pushpak schedules) The reservation system is networked and
with 4,42,953 scheduled route km. to its credit. computerized and tickets can be availed at
In 2005 it has operated 2,285 schedules with a designated kiosks in towns and cities. An on
fleet strength of 2412 buses through 17 depots, line reservation system called “AWAAR” has also
3 major bus stations, 8 sub-bus stations and one

introduction
been devised by KSRTC for public use. It is plying
central workshop. Its total revenue for the year different category of buses viz., Airavatha (Volvo),
1999-2000 was `.20,425.84 lakhs and is running Mayura, Rajahamsa, semi luxury, Meghadhoota
under proft. During 2000-01, KSRTC has under semi-delux, Sheethal, Ambari, Mercedes Benz,
gone further bifurcation and as a result the North- Airavatha Club class, Moffusil Non-stop and Rural
Eastern Karnataka Road Transport Corporation Transport services.
(NEKRTC), a separate independent corporation for
The North East Karnataka Road Transport
Hyderbad-Karnataka area with its head quarters
Corporation has Kalaburagi as its headquarters
at Kalaburagi has come into existence. As a result,
introduction

with eight divisions, 43 bus depots, one Regional

at present, KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and NEKRTC
Workshop, two training centres and 113 bus
are administering the transport services along with
stations. The Corporation earned revenue of Rs.663
Private Agencies in the State. Daily city passes
crores in 2009-10 and Rs.864 crores in 2010-
introduced at Bengaluru and Mysuru cities have
11. It provides transport facilities to Hyderabad-
received good public response. Besides the 7 days
Karnataka region including Vijayapura Division.
tourist pass scheme introduced the transport
The Corporation is operating 3496 routes at the
corporation is also noteworthy. 359
end of September 2012. It operates 12.20 lakh kms
 per day with an average daily passengers carried The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport
at 13.08 [Link] operating traffic revenue has Corporation (BMTC) is providing bus transport
increased by 12.27% in 2012-13 (end of September facilities in Bengaluru. It has been operating in
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

2012) as compared to 2011-12. (end of September two categories as city transport and sub-urban
2011). The profit earned by the Corporation at the transport comprising of five divisions such as
end of September 2012, amounts to Rs. 1.75 crore East, West, North, South and Volvo. Various
as against to Rs. 2.68 crore loss incurred at the models of Vajra, Vayu Vajra, Pushpak, Suvarna,
end of September 2011. Big-10, Big circle, Atal transport, Marcopolo,A.C.,
The North West Karnataka State Road Transport Metro Feeder Transport service are being provided
Corporation, has Hubballi as its headquarters, to commuters. It has37 bus depots and 48 bus
with 7 divisions, 46 bus depots, 136 bus stations stations. During 2009-10 and 2010-11, the
and Regional Workshop and training centre at Corporation has earned a revenue of Rs.1,131
Hubballi. Belagavi, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, crores and Rs.1,329 crores respectively. As on 30-
Bagalkote, Vijayapura, Gadag, and Haveri districts 09-2012 , the Corporation operated 2405 routes
with 44 taluks and 4,596 villages coming under covering 12.60 lakh kms per day. The average
its jurisdiction providing transport service to number of passengers carried per day is 48.00
4,428 villages. Apart from city and rural transport lakhs, The increase is by 10.35% to the average
service it has provided Veghadhoot, Rajahamsa, number of passengers carried per day as on 30-
Meghadhoota, Volvo and sleeper coach bus 09-2011. Its traffic revenue increased by 6.41 %
services in various State and Inter-State routes. at the end of September 2012-13 as compared to
The revenue earned during 2009-10 and 2010-11 the end of 2011-12.
was Rs.961 crores and `.1,032 crores respectively. In order to reduce traffic congestion and air
During 2012-13 (end of September 2012) the pollution and to create public awareness for the
Corporation has a workforce of about 21772 use of public transport, 4th February 2010, has
employees, operating 14.29 lakhs kms daily by been observed as ‘Bus day’ and from that day
utilizing fleet strength of 4744 with average vehicle onwards, on 4th of every month is being observed
utilisation of 345 kms daily and catering to 21.05 as ‘Bus day’. The following table reveal its status,
lakh passengers on an average. The total loss as prevailed in September 2012.
incurred by NWKRTC in 2011-12 has reduced to
`. 23.43 crore from `. 30.44 crore in 2010-11.

Passenger fleet strength and Utilisation by different Corporations

2011-12, 2012-13(Upto September 2012)
Item
KSRTC BMTC NWKRTC NEKRTC KSRTC BMTC NWKRTC NEKRTC
No. of Buses at
the end of the 7749 6449 4403 4538 7783 6466 4744 4344
year
Percentage of
4.70 4.80 15 .90 11.60 5.70 6.50 15.80 11.50
overaged Buses
Fleet utilisation
91.9 94.2 94.4 89.0 91.9 90.6 92.9 89.6
(Percentage)

Buses run by private persons are allowed to operate in few districts of [Link] district
transportation are run by private operators, connecting capital Bengaluru and main cities like
Mangaluru and Dharwad to district head [Link] district transportation by private operators is
currently allowed in Dakshina_Kannada and Udupi [Link] bus and Maxi cabs are also other
modes of road transportation in the state, especially where KSRTC does not run buses or run very few.
Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed 5 Greenfield Access Controlled 6/8
lane expressways for the state. These expressways are Greenfield projects for which fresh land will be
acquired and new alignment will be drawn. These roads will have different alignments and it will not
overlap the existing national highways on the same route. The proposed expressways are Mangaluru-
360 Karwar-Panaji (400 km), Honnavar-Shivamogga-Bengaluru (325 km), Chitradurga-Solapur (400 km),
Bengaluru-Mangaluru (360 km) and Bengaluru- Nagar and terminates at the Mysuru Road. The
Coimbatore (402 km). North-south corridor of 24.20 km. long beginning
from Yeshwanthpur terminal, passes through

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
Soap Factory, Mahalakshmi layout, Rajajinagar,
Devaraj Urs Truck Terminal Corporation Kuvempu Road, Malleswaram, Swastic and after
In order to provide facilities for lorry/truck touching Majestic proceeds further via Chickpet,
transportation, on National Highways of Bengaluru City Market, [Link], Basavanagudi, National
and other cities of the State, the State Government college, Lalbagh, Southend Circle, Jayanagar
has established Devaraj Urs Truck Terminals Ltd., passing through [Link], Banashankari,
Company under the Companies Act of 1956 and [Link] and terminate at Puttenahalli. Out of
truck terminals were constructed in Mysuru, the 42.30 route 9 km. will be underground near
Dharwar, Bengaluru, Hosapete and Hubballi. Magestic, City Railway station, City Market,
Aprt from this, it is proposed to construct truck Vidhana Souda and Swastik. The rest will be

HISTORY
terminals in prominent cities of Hassan, Chickm. formed in overbridge tracks.
agalur, Raichur, Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Phase II:The detailed project report (DPR) for
Gadag, Kolar, Shivamogga, Davanagere and Phase II was prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail
Chitradurga. [Link] high power committee (HPC), in
Namma Metro: In order to control the traffic July 2011, gave in-principle clearance to proceed
pressure on the roads of the Bengaluru Metropolitan with Phase II. The Karnataka government gave in-
City, a modern MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) principle approval to Phase II of the Namma Metro
that not only integrates the existing transport project on 3rd January 2012. The estimated total

PEOPLE
systems but also offer solution to the problem. The cost for Phase II is around `.264,051.4 million
State Government has Commissioned Delhi Metro (US$4.5 billion). Phase II covers a span of 72.095
Rail Corporation (DMRC) who with the help of Rail km (13.79 km underground, 0.48 km at grade
India Technical and Economic Services (RITES)
conducted a study. It concluded that in Bengaluru
it will complete with its projected Peak Hour

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
Peak Direction trips for 40,000 people by 2021.
Hence it recommended for Metro Rail System, to
be planned and executed in two phases. To begin
with it identified two main corridors to be built
under phase I of Bengaluru Metro. Although there
were several proposals for this project, since 1982,
Delhi Metro Road Corporation in partnership
with RITES prepared a detailed project report
for Bengaluru metro rail phase I in 2003 at the

introduction
instance of the state government. It proposed
a two double line corridors viz., East-West and Metro Station, M.G. Road, Bengaluru
North-South corridor with a total length of 33 km.
AT present it is extended upto 42.3 km.
The Bengaluru Metro Rail finally took shape with
the Karnataka Government clearing the project in
March 2005 and union government giving its accord
in April 2006. Among the two metro corridors,
introduction

the east-west corridor of 18.10 km. long line

starting from Byappanahalli Passes through old
Madras Road, C.M.H. Road, Ulsoor, Trinity Circle,
[Link], Cricket Stadium, Vidhana Soudha,
Central College and after touching Majestic and
City Railway Station continue towards Tollgate,
Hosahalli, Vijayanagara, Attiguppe, Deepanajali Metro near M.G. Road, Bengaluru 361
 and 57.825 km elevated) and adds 61 stations Proposal for Phase III
to the network ; of which 12 are underground. Close on the heels of the in-principle approval
Construction of the second phase will be taken up for Phase II of the project, Bengaluru Metro Rail
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

in 2014 after completing the first phase and it will Corporation (BMRC) has begun talking about the
be opened for service from 2017. Phase II consists city needing a Phase III of this mass rapid transit
of extensions of all four reaches of the metro and project. Bengaluru requires at least 250 kms of
2 new lines. metro lines to ideally connect areas on the ring
New Lines: The RV Road to Bommasandra line, routes and outlying regions with the central
on the outskirts of the city, will have 16 stations business district, commercial hubs and prime
(RV Road, Ragigudda temple, Jayadeva Hospital, work places.
BTM Layout, Silk Board Junction, HSR Layout, The construction work of 6.75 km.s length of
Oxford College, Muneshwara Block, Chikkabegur, Byappanahalli-Mahatma Gandhi Road of network
Basapura Road, Hosur Road, Electronic City-1, of phase 1 has been completed and the metro rail
Electronic City-2, Huskur Road, Hebbagodi and service has been started from 20-10-2011. The
Bommasandra). The cost of this route is pegged track would be standard gauge of 1,435 mt. The
at Rs.57.44 billion (US$990 million). The one journey time between north-south corridors will
between Gottigere-IIM-B and Nagavara will have be 33 minutes and that east west corridor will be
18 stations with six elevated and 12 underground 28 minutes. It is is designed to a maximum train
stations. The elevated stations include Gottigere, speed of 80 [Link].
Hulimavu, IIM-B, JP Nagar 4th Phase, Jayadeva
Hospital and Swagath Road Cross. The 12 The Metro has been designed for a capacity of
underground stations will be constructed near 40,000 passengers during peak hours. The daily
Dairy Circle, Mico Bosch, Langford Town, Vellara passenger traffic which was 10.20 lakhs in 2011
Junction, MG Road, Shivajinagar, Cantonment is expected to 16.10 lakhs by 2021.
Railway Station, Pottery Town, Tannery Road, The total project outlay envisage of the project
Venkateshpura, Arabic College and Nagavara. The is Rs.6398 crores which is to be met out through
estimated cost of this corridor is Rs. 110.14 billion equity, subordinate debt and senior term debts
(US$1.9 billion). to be borne in the ratio of 30%, 25% and 45%
Extensions: Byappanahalli to Whitefield respectively under the revised scheme, it is
(extension of east-west line): This corridor estimated that Rs.11,609 crores and 720 crores
has 14 stations—Jyothipuram, KR Puram, for formation of over bridge roads and Rs.25
Narayanapura, Mahadevapura, Garudacharpalya, crores for formation of under ground tunnels. It
Doddanakundi, Visvesvaraya Industrial Estate, is estimated that Rs.30.40 crores for each railway
Kundalahalli, Vaidehi Hospital, Satyasai Medical station and Rs.30 crores for each compartment.
Institute,Kadugodi, Ujwala Vidyalaya and The total land required for the project is 202.22
Whitefield. Mysuru Road terminal to Kengeri acres comprised of 138 acres of central government
(extension of east-west line): This corridor has land, 32.22 acres of state government and 27
five stations. Nayandahalli, Rajarajeshwari acres of private lands and the land acquisition
Nagar, Bengaluru University Cross, RV College process by the state government is almost nearing
of Engineering and Kengeri Hesaraghatta Cross completion.
to Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre It has been a year since the much-hyped
(BIEC) on Tumakuru Road (extension of north- and awaited Bengaluru Metro began commercial
south line), has three stations. Manjunathanagar, operations in the city. Running across a 6.7 km
Jindal and BIEC terminal. The BMRC has asked stretch between the MG Road & Byapanahalli in the
BIEC to share the cost as it would be the main east, the metro ferries around 22,000 passengers
beneficiary of this extension. Puttenahalli Cross daily & has to some extent, eased the pressure off
to Anjanapura township, up to NICE crossing the notorious traffic situation in the city.
(extension of north-south line). This corridor has
Currently Reach I of the East-West corridor,
five stations. Anjanapura Road Cross, Krishnaleela
from Baiyappanahalli to Mahatma Gandhi Road,
Park (Iskcon), Vajarahalli, Talaghattapura and
362 is functioning. The rest of Phase I was expected
Anjana Township.
to be completed in stages. Reach 3 and Reach 3a, line linked Shivamogga with the Bengaluru-
connecting Sampige Road to Peenya Industrial Harihara sections. For speedy execution of the
Area, on the north part of the North-South corridor works,State Railway Construction Department was

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
has also started functioning. The first green line set up June 1912. The Mysuru-Arasikere Metre-
train was put on 1.2-km test track at the Peenya gauge line of 165 km. taken for construction in
Depot, here on Wednesday. According to BMRCL, 1916 was completed and commissioned in 1918.
of the 29 greeen train sets required for the North Due to the keen interest taken by the State in
South corridor, and of them three have been developing the railway network, the total length of
supplied to the Peenya depot. However it was the railway line rose from 657.8 km. in 1911-12 to
expected to commence since Dec 2012, yet to be 913 km. in 1923-24. Later Birur-Shivamogga line
operated. was extended in stages upto Talguppa (1940), a
RAILWAYS distance of about 161 km.

HISTORY
The first railway line in the old Mysuru Area was In Gulbara area, the Guntakal-Raichur-
from Bengaluru to Madras (Broad-gauge -1,676 (5 Kalaburagi-Sholapur lsection was laid during
ft. 6 in.) mm.), laid by the Madras Railway Company 1861-1871, to connect Bombay and Madras
and was opened for traffic in August 1864. In Presidences. Another Broad-gauge line, passing
1877-78, construction work of another important from Wadi-Secunderbad via., Chitapur and Sedam
section, Bengaluru-Mysuru (Metre-gauge - 1,000 (43 km. in Gulbara district) was commissioned for
(3 ft 3 38 in.) mm) line of about 138 km. long traffic in 1874 and a vital link was established
was taken up and completed in three stages and between Hyderabad, Madras and Bombay. The
Ballari-Hosapete line was laid in 1884 followed

PEOPLE
commissioned in February 1882 by spending a
sum of `.55.48 lakhs. The Metre-gauge section by the Metre-gauge track between Hubballi and
between Bengaluru to Tumakuru was started in Hosapete laid in 1885 which linked the southern
October 1882 and about 69 km. line was opened states. The broad-gauge line of the Vikarabad-
for traffic in 1884. Later it was extended to Parli-Baijnath section, runs through Bidar district
Gubbi (18 km.) in December 1884. The Southern for a distance of l78.73 km., started operating
Marata Railway undertook the construction work since 1932

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
of Harihara-Birur and Birur-Gubbi sections and Dakshina Kannada had only 12.87 km. railway
both these sections were opened for traffic in track leading towards Madras before 1956, when
1889. The Pune-Harihara line traversing through the Hassan-Mangaluru railway line opened for
Belagavi and Dharwad districts was laid in 1882 traffic in 1979, the length of the railway line in
and completed during 1887. Goa was linked up the district went up. Before 1951, the present
with Londa in Belagavi district. As a result, direct Karnataka State was served by the then Madras
link was established between Pune-Bengaluru and Southern Maratha Railway, the South Indian
via Harihara. The Birur-Shivamogga-Bidare line Railway, Mysuru State Railway, Nizam’s State

introduction
having distance of about 64 km., was constructed Railway and Great Indian Peninsular Railway
by the Princely government itself in 1899. This systems. In 1951, the Railways were taken over
by the Central Government and Railway Zones
were formed. The southern Railway was formed
on 14-4-1951 with its headquarters at Madras;
and in October 1966 South-Central Zone, with its
headquarters at Secunderbad was created.
At the time of unification of the State in 1956, the
introduction

length of Railway line was 2,595 km. Out of which

Broad-gauge was 352 km., Metre-gauge 2,080 and
Narrow gauge (762 (2 ft. 6 in) mm.) 163 km. The
Indian Railways have undertaken modernization
and many development programmes for the
expansion of the railway network in the country.
Under the uni-gauge programme, 178 [Link]-
old Railway Engine, Railway Museum, Mysuru gauge tracks between Dharmavaram-Bengaluru
363
 was converted into Broad-gauge and opened for Bengaluru, Mysuru divisions of the erstwhile
traffic in January 1985. Similarly the Mysuru- Southern Railway and the reorganized Hubballi
Bengaluru Broad-gauge line of 138.25 km. was division of the erstwhile South Central Railway
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

opened for public traffic on 16th April 1993 by which includes Hosapete and Ballari. The division
spending a sum of Rs.134.26 crores. Railway came into existence on April 1,2003. It covers
Workshop at Ashokapuram (Mysuru) is being most of the railway lines in the state of Karnataka.
modified to handle Broad-gauge rolling stock. Belagavi – Bagalkote- Raichur, Belagavi-Dharwad,
Some of the railway lines converted into broad- Belagavi- Sawantwadi, Bagalkote– Kudachi,Kottur–
gauge and opened for traffic are Bengaluru City- Harihar, Kadur–Chikkamagaluru–Sakleshpur,
Yeshwanthpur-Yelahanka (17.50 km.), Ballari- Munirabad– Mehboobnagar, Tumakuru–Chitradurga–
Rayadurga (54km.), Bengaluru-Tumakuru- Davangere, Shivamogga–Harihar and Tumakuru–
Arasikere- Shivamogga (in stages completed) and Rayadurg lines are commissioned.
Rayadurga-Chitradurga-Chikjajur. Electrification The track doubling work between Bengaluru
work of the Bengaluru City-Jolarpet section was and Kuppam has been completed and dedicated
completed in 1992 and the first Electric Train was to the country in 2004. As on March 31st 2004,
operated on 19th May 1992. Karnataka had a total Railway route length
Broad gauging of 67.65 km. between Hotgi and of 3,270 km. of which 2,761 km. are of Broad-
Vijayapura is being completed and since May 1998, gauge and the remaining 509 km. are of Meter-
rails are on operation. The Vijayapura-Bagalkot- gauge line. There were 354 railway stations in
Gadag guage conversion is also completed and the state. At present (as on 2009 Jan) excluding
the trains are running since 2009 January. Shivamogga-Talaguppa line all others are Broad
The Mysuru-Arasikere line conversion is also gauge lines. The Broad-gauge conversion of
completed and put to traffic from 1998. Hassan- Mysuru-Nanjangud and Chamarajanagar route
Mangaluru gauge conversion work started in 1995 was undertaken in 1997. In the first phase Mysuru
is completed and in the first phase train service Nanjangud work was completed in June 2008
upto Puttur (Mangaluru side) and Sakleshpur and on Nov 2008, Nanjangud-Chamarajanagar
(Hassan side) was made available from 2005. railway work was completed and thrown open for
But due to strong public opinion the railways traffic. No narrow gauge lines are operating in
have thrown open the Hassan-Mangaluru broad- the State. Chickballapur-Kolar-Bangarpet narrow
gauge line for passenger movement since Dec.8th gauge track has been abandoned long back. Its
2007 and daily night service trains have started conversion to broad gauge too being insisted by the
plying between Yeshavanthapur and Mangaluru local people and the work is under progress. As a
via, Mysuru-Hassan. The Railway service to result, (as on Jan 2009) except Kodagu, all other
Mangaluru via Tumakuru Arasikere and Hassan Districts in the State have the railway line passing
is yet to be flagged off. through their jurisdiction and the railways are
The ambitious Konkan Railway Project for planning to implement the long standing demand
connecting Mangaluru with Roha was opened for for Mysuru-Madikeri rail line. Hubballi-Ankola
freight traffic in 1996. The Mangaluru-Udupi line line is also being planned.
was started first and was extended to Kundapur The Bengaluru-Mysuru route has been taken
in 1995. The 760 km. long line was opened for for laying double track in phases. In the first
passenger traffic in December 1996. As a result, phase, double line laying work is proposed upto
the distance between Mangaluru and Bombay was Ramanagar and as the work upto Bidadi is
reduced by 1,200 km. and Mangaluru-Delhi by completed, it is opened for traffic in March 2008.
800 km. In 1998 (31-3-98) the total length in the The remaining work up to Ramanagara is also
State was 3270 km. of which Broad-gauge is 2706 completed recently and track service is made
and Meter-gauge 564 km. The South Western available to the public since November 2008. The
Railway Zone was commissioned in October work between Ramanagar-Channapatna-Settihally
2002 and Bengaluru was made its headquarters. is also completed and thrown open for public
But after Public Protest in North Karnataka, its transport during 2012 and 2013. The laying of
Headquarters was shifted to Hubballi. It is one new railway line between Bengaluru and Hassan via
364 of the 17 railway zones in India. It comprises Nelamangala, Yedeyur, Belur, Shravanabelagola
and Channarayapatna under progress and the The Giant Wheel and Axle Plant, the only unit
work between Hassan-Channarayapatna and of its kind in the whole country was started at
Sravanabelagola was completed in March 2006. Yelahanka in 1984. This plant is manufacturing

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
Likewise, Bengaluru-Nelamangala line is also wheels and axles for the railway carriages with
completed and opened for public use during April latest design and technology. It is playing a vital role
2013. The remaining work of this route between in promoting the Indian Railways on progressive
Yedeyur, Belur and Shravanabelagola is under path. At present it is producing 1.35 lakh units of
progress and needs to be completed briskly. wheels and axles and the remaining 70,000 units
Progress on other sections is in full swing. The Bengaluru- required being imported from the other countries.
Hubballi line is being doubled in isolated patches. While In order to meet the domestic requirements the
Bengaluru-Tumakuru was doubled and opened to traffic railways have decided to invest Rs.200 crores on
in 2007, progress on other sections needs speedy progress. this unit to enhance its production capacity to two
lakhs from 2008-09. The factory has exported

HISTORY
The doubling of the Arsikere-Birur section of the same line
was completed in November 2012. Ballari–Hosapete line is Rs.5.31 crores worth wheel axles to Africa,
completely doubled and opened for traffic, Hubballi–Gadag Senegal, America, Latin America and other foreign
line doubling is in progress. countries. Hence the railways have planned to
start another unit at Chapad in Bihar State with
A new survey is being conducted to connect one lakh unit production, very shortly. There is a
Bengaluru with Chamarajnagar via., Kanakapura,
railway Museum at Mysuru where several unique
Malavalli and Kollegal. Amidst all these, the long
exhibits are displayed. The Railway workshop
pending rail route connecting Chamarajanagar
engaged in the production of rolling stock in

PEOPLE
with Mettupalyam via Erode needs an early respect of Meter-gauge. But, with the conversion
attention. of broad gauge, this section is no more existence.

A Bird’s view of Railway Routes in Karnataka

Broad
Sl. Beginning Gauge
Railways line Gauge Km.

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
No. year Conversion
year
Bombay-Madras-(Sholapur-Kalaburagi-Raichur-
01. Broad-gauge 220 1861-71 -
Guntkal)

02. Bengaluru-Madras Broad-gauge 88 1864 -

03. Guntkal-Ballari Broad-gauge 43 1871 -

04. Wad-chitapur-Sedam-Secunderabad Broad-gauge 43 1874 -

introduction
05. Bengaluru-Mysuru Metre-gauge 138 1881-82 1993

06. Bengaluru-Tumakuru-Gubbi Metre-gauge 87 1884 2001

07. Ballari-Hosapete Metre-gauge 87 1884 2001

08. Hubballi-Gadag-Hosapete Metre-gauge 144 1885 1995

introduction

09. Gadag-Vijayapura-Hotgi-Sholapur Metre-gauge 249 1885 2008

10. Hubballi-Londa-Belagavi-Pune Metre-gauge 115 1887 1995

11. Harihar-Hubballi Metre-gauge 129 1887 2000

12. Londa-Marmgoa-Vasco Metre-gauge 50 1888 1995 365

 13. Harihar-Birur-Gubbi Metre-gauge 229 1889 2000
KARNATAKA

14. Yeshwanthpur-Hindupur (upto Border) Metre-gauge 83 1890 1983 Jan

a HAND BOOK OF

15. Mysuru-Nanjangud (upto Sujatha Mills) Metre-gauge 24 1891 2008 Jun

16. Bangarpet (Bowringpet)- Marikoppam Metre-gauge 14.84 1894 -

17. Sujatha Mills-Nanjangud Metre-gauge 0.76 1899 2008 Jun

18. Birur-Shivamogga-Bidare Metre-gauge 61.15 1899 NA

19. Ballari-Rayadurga Metre-gauge 53.67 1905 NA

20. Hosapete-Kottur Metre-gauge 69.46 1905 NA

21. Gunda Road Jn-Swamihalli Metre-gauge 21 1906-07 NA

22. Madras-Mangaluru (upto State Border) Metre-gauge 12.87 1907

Broad
23. Bowringpet (Bangarpet)-Kolar Narrow-gauge 17.60 1913
Gauge

24. Chikballapur-Yelahanka Narrow-gauge Abandoned 1915 NA

25. Chikballapur-Kolar Narrow-gauge Abandoned 1915 NA

26. Yelahanka-Yeshwanthpur- Bengaluru Narrow-gauge 25 1918

27. Mysuru-Arasikere Metre-gauge 165 1918 1998

28. Dandeli-Alnavar Metre-gauge 31.7 1919 NA

29. Chikkajajur-Chitradurga Metre-gauge 21 1921 NA

30. Nanjangud-Chamrajanagar Metre-gauge 35 1926 2008

31. Shivamogga-Shivamogga Bidare Metre-gauge 06 1929 Nov-2008

Vikarabad-Parli-Baijanath (Bidar, Khanapur,

32. Metre-gauge 78.32 1932 -
Kamalapur)

September
33. Shivamogga-Talaguppa Metre-gauge 93 1940
2012

34. Guntakal-Hosapete (Separate-Line) Broad-gauge 102 1966 -

35. Hassan-Mangaluru Metre-gauge 189 1979 2005

Mangaluru-Mangaluru
36. Broad-gauge 11 1983 -
New port

Mangaluru-Roha
37. Broad-gauge 76 1996 -
(Konkan Express)

Bengaluru-Kuppam
38. Broad-gauge N.A. 2004 -
(double line)
366
 * Excluding Shivamogga-Talaguppa line which
is also under conversion all other railway lines
are either Broad-Gauge line or else converted

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
to Broad gauge. At present, excluding the
abandoned Chikballapur-Kolar Narrow gauge line,
the remaining Narrow gauge lines’ Broad gauge
convertion is under progress.
Electrification of Railway Route: The
Electrification of Railway routes in India, including
Karnataka is in progress since several decades. As
on March 2009, among the total rail route of 63,273
km. in the Country Karnataka with 3005 km. rail

HISTORY
ways has only 138 km. route length electrified,
ranks 18th in the country. Karnataka has the least
number of electrified and doubled broad gauge
lines compared to other states in India (5%). This
is mentioned in the official web page belonging to
the ministry of Railways.
South Western Raiway Zonal Map

PEOPLE
Railway Route Length Electrified:March 2009

State Total Route(Km.) Eletrified(Km.) Route % increase Ranking

1 Andhra Pradesh 5171 2403 46.47 6

2 Bihar 3407 830 24.36 11

COMMUNICATION
3 Chhatisgarh 1186 861 72.60 2

TRANSPORT AND
4 Gujarat 5328 723 13.57 15

5 Haryana 1467 373 25.43 10

6 Himachal Pradesh 285 23 8.07 17

7 Jharkhand 1965 1585 80.66 1

8 Karnataka 3005 138 4.59 18

9 Kerala 1050 540 51.43 4

introduction
10 Madhya Pradesh 4884 2037 41.71 7

11 Maharashtra 5535 2065 37.31 8

12 Orissa 2387 1317 55.17 3

13 Punjab 2133 419 19.64 13

14 Rajasthan 5683 600 10.56 16

15 Tamil Nadu 4131 1173 28.40 9

introduction

16 Uttar Pradesh 8553 1762 20.60 12

17 Uttaranchal 345 52 15.07 14

18 West Bengal 3951 1891 47.86 5

All India([Link]) 63273 18942 29.94 -

Source: Indian Railways GOI Web site

367
 Railways projects under Progress:- The state in October 1932. This flight was operated between
government has been actively supporting the Karachi and Madras with stops at Ahmedabad,
railway projects in the state. A sum of Rs.100 Bombay and Ballari. Later, Deccan Airways of
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

crores has been provided in the 2008-09 budget the Hyderabad Government operated a daily
for new cost sharing railway projects by sharing flight from Hyderabad to Bengaluru and back in
upto 2/3 of the total project cost. Sholapur- 1946. On 1st August 1953, Airlines in the country
Gadag Gauge conversion projects (50:50 share) were nationalized and Government owned Indian
and with the rail movement Bagalkot-Gadag work Airlines started connecting Bengaluru with various
is completed. other cities in the country. The ‘open skies’ policy
Shivamogga-Talguppa Gauge conversion of the Centre has ended the monopoly of plying
project is taken up under 50:50 cost sharing basis their aircraft between Bengaluru, Bombay, Delhi,
with the railways and has made provision for `.100 Hyderabad etc., The private companies serving
crores Kottur-Harihara new railway (67 km.s) line in the field were king fisher, Jet Airways, East-
projects is taken up under 2/3, 1/3 cost sharing West Airlines, Damania Airways, Deccan Airlines,
basis. Ramanagar-Mysuru railway doubling is Sahara and Modi Luft. Apart from Bengaluru, the
under progress. Bidar-Kalaburagi (104 km.s) new cities of Belagavi, Mangaluru,Mysuru,and Hubballi
railway line is taken up under 50:50 cost sharing are also on the air map of the country.
basis. Munirabad-Mehaboobnagar new railway Bengaluru Airport, constructed in an area
line (190 km.) is taken up under 50:50 sharing of 865 acres of land which belongs to HAL and
basis. Airport Authority of India. In the Indian Airlines
The Mysuru-Bengaluru section upto Settihally network, Bengaluru Airport ranks fifth in respect of
(63 km) has been doubled and thrown open revenue earnings. During 1992-93, on an average
to traffic as of March 2013 . Progress on other there were about 60,000 incoming passengers
sections is in full swing. The Bengaluru-Hubballi and 60,000 outgoing passengers at Bengaluru
line is being doubled in isolated patches. While the Airport per month and the incoming and outgoing
line between Bengaluru-Tumakuru was doubled cargo handled during 1992-93 was 5,104 and
and opened to traffic, other sections of this route 6,711 [Link] respectively. During 1992-93,
is in progress . The doubling of the Arsikere- the incoming and outgoing cargo handled by
Birur section of the same line was completed in the Mangaluru Airport was 99 and 57 M. tonnes
November 2012. While the Ballari–Hosapete line respectively. Direct flight to Perth (Australia) and
is completely doubled and opened for traffic, Singapore have begun from Bengaluru from 1995.
Hubballi–Gadag line doubling is in progress. There is a proposal to construct an International
Airport near Bengaluru at Devanahalli. The State
Under the public participation the Government run ‘Flying Training School’ was started in 1948
has approached the Railway Ministry to take at Bengaluru to impart training to the youth in
up Hubballi-Ankola, Talaguppa-Shahabad, flying. This school is also undertaking joy flights,
Vijayapura-Shahapur, Dharwar-Belagavi charter flights and also providing flying facilities to
projects. Apart from this under the cost sharing scientists and engineers of the defence. In 1991-
basis of State Government and Railway Ministry 92, of the nine candidates undergoing the training
Hassan-Bengaluru, Kadur-Chickmagalur, Kolar- for commercial pilot’s license, three of them have
Chikkaballapur, Kuduchi-Bagalkote, Tumakuru- passed the course. At the same period 98 students
Davanagere, Shivamogga-Harihara and Whitefield- were undergoing training for the private pilot’s
Kolar projects have been taken up. At the end of course.
March 2012, there are 3223.12 Km. of Broad-
gauge, 21 KM. of Metre gauge railway lines and It maintains a civil enclave on 20 acres
367 railway stations in the State. comprised of domestic passenger terminal building
suitable to maintain 700 departing passengers
and the integrated international terminal building
AIR TRANSPORT inaugurated in January 99, suitable to handle
The First aero plane flight in India was 700 domestic arrivals and 600 International
introduced in January 1911. The Tata and Sons passengers at a time, fully air conditioned built at
368 Ltd., flew its aircraft for the first time in Karnataka an estimate cost of Rs.21.83 crores. It is equipped
with five escalators, four passenger elevators and managed by the Airport Authority of India. It
staircase for transferring passengers from ground has all the required facilities of an International
floor to first floor and vice versa. At present, it has Airport and is situated at a distance of 35 km. from

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
all modern facilities. But with the inauguration of Bengaluru City. Due to public demand, the Airport
Devanahalli (2008 May) International Airport this is being named after Kempegowda, the founder
airport has been closed. of Bengaluru city, very recently, by observing all
Mangaluru Airport: The Mangaluru Airport formalities.
is located at Bajpe 26 km. away from the district There is a proposal to provide High speed
headquarters. It was started in 1951 by the civil Rail link to the BIA located at Devanahalli. The
aviation department, spreading over 140 acres of government has planned to construct Airport at all
land suitable for Airport. In the beginning Dakota District headquarters in the state. Improving and
Plane service was made available once a week. upgrading of Mangaluru, Hubballi and Belagavi

HISTORY
But with the unification of Karnataka (1956), Aiports is under progress.
weekly trip to Bombay was started in 1957. In This airport was started in May 2008, has
1960, the airport was expanded to meet the needs provided service to 9.8 million passengers in that
of Arose flights. In 1972, daily service between year and at present serving 12 million passengers
Madras and Bombay via Bengaluru, Mangaluru per year. This has 70,000 Sq. metres of terminal
and Belagavi was started. It resulted in 14 planes building and 4000 metre of runway. The Airport
passing through Mangaluru Airport. In 1996 Authority has been trying to extend attractive
an office was started to receive the passport service to its customers. A signal free traffic service
applications from aspirants at Mangaluru. At

PEOPLE
is being provided to this airport from different parts
present daily service is available from Mangaluru of the city. During 2010-11, 5,63,748 persons
to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Madras and other places. travelled and 1,08,852 tons of goods transported.
The flight services are operated by Indian Airlines,
Deccan Airlines and Jet Airlines. A new runway to Belagavi Airport: The airpot at Belagavi is
facilitate the requirement for international flights situated on SH.20, 12 Km away from Belagavi,
by the Indian Aviation Authority, the Airport is the district headquarters, operated by Airports

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
providing services of international standard. Authority of India .

Kempe Gowda International Airport Hubballi Airport: The Airport is situated 8 kms
Bengaluru: At Devanahalli the Banglaore south west of Hubballi, operated by Airports
International Airport has started working from Authority of India. The Plans are underway for the
May 24th 2008. This project commenced in July modernization and expansion of the airport into
2005, has green field spread over an area of 4000 an all-weather airport.
acres. This has been developed as the first inter Mangaluru Airport: Previously the Mangaluru
national airport in the country with `.2470 crores Airport,also called as Bajpe Airport, is a customs

introduction
under public-private participations. It is being and domestic airport, serve coastal Mangaluru
city. Situated 20 km away from Mangaluru
City,this airport was launched on 25th Dec. 1951,
when Bajpe Aerodrome,was commissioned by
Jawaharlal Nehru , the then PM having arrived on
maiden air travel on Dakota DC-3 plane. In year of
2007-08, airports hold 10,019 airplane actions as
evaluated to 6,268 earlier years; it handled total
8.04 lakh travellers during 2010.
introduction

Mysuru Airport: Also known as Mandakalli

Airport is an airport serving the city of Mysuru.
The airstrip in Mysuru was built in 1948. Due to
commercial activity in the mid-1980s Vayudoot ran
a feeder service. The city had been on the aviation
map more than five decades ago, when a leading
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru national newspaper used to drop its newspaper 369
 bundles using a Dakota. Thereafter, it was linked Gokarana, Chitradurga, Bagalakote, Haveri,
with the rest of the country through Vayudoot Gadag and Kollegala by providing a sum of Rs. 50
services. However, it witnessed discontinuance Crores during 2008-09.
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

of services. Thus defunct of commercial activity Passport Office: A separate office for the State
in the mid-1980s, when Vayudoot ran a feeder was established at Bengaluru on 12th June 1978,
service. The city had been on the aviation map on the bifurcation of Regional Passport Office at
more than five decades ago when a leading Chennai. It is now located in No.I/A, Brunton
national newspaper used to drop its newspaper Road, (across [Link]), Bengaluru. It is providing
bundles using Douglas_DC-3”Dakota. Thereafter, passport facilities to the people in Karnataka. The
it was linked with the rest of the country through number of passports issued during 1978 was
Vayudoot. 17,146. It was enhanced to 1,23,150 in 1992.
The airport was built at a cost of 82 crore. It By the end of 2000, out of the 1,31,769 fresh
was inaugurated by B. S. Yeddiyurappa, the Chief application received 1,28,943 were disposed of by
Minister of Karnataka on 15 May 2010. Jet Airways issuing passports. Generally it takes 30 to 40 days
and Kingfisher_Airlines had shown interest in to issue fresh passport. Under Tatkal Scheme,
operating flights to the city. Passport is issued quickly by charging additional
The terminal building has a capacity to fees. Renewal of old ones, issuing of duplicate
accommodate 200 passengers. The runway at the passport in case of lost and damaged passports
airport measures 1,858 m (6,098 ft). The state and Emigration services are also extended to the
government has sanctioned funds to upgrade public. Tele-Enquiry, Special counters etc., are
the runway length to anywhere between 2,400 opened to assist the public. “KIOSK” – Touch Screen
m (7, 870 ft) to 2,600 m (8,530 ft). Meanwhile, a System has been installed to know the position
sanction has been already been given for the Rs of passport applications. On-line Registration
140 crore civil and electrical works of the second services started to help the working personnel
phase of the project. The second phase will include living in different districts has been appreciated
upgradation of the airport with an apron, setting by the public. It has also launched a web-site of its
up of air traffic control, meteorological department own, which helps the public to know the position
and upgrading the terminal. Once it is completed, of other applications and objections if any. It
the airport will be able to operate the Airbus_A320 has its passport application collection centers at
and Boeing_737 aircraft. Mangaluru started in 1996, and at Kalaburagi in
After the airport was commissioned for February 2000. The Speed post passport services
operation in 2010, Kingfisher Airlines operated have also been launched at selected post offices
daily flights, connecting Mysuru with Chennai, in March 2001. Since then, the Passport office
Delhi, Mumbai via Bengaluru. Kingfisher operated through its innovative services has reached the
its Kingfisher Red service to Mysuru. The flights public more effectively. As a result of easy and on-
operated with nearly 75% occupancy inbound to line processing of passport applications, passport
Mysuru, while the occupancy was said to be low in holders are increasing regularly since 2005.
the outbound from Mysuru, resulting in Kingfisher The State has four Passport Seva Kendras,
Airlines cancelling the flights since November two at Bengaluru, one at Mangaluru and one at
2011. Chartered flights have been operating since Hubballi. The Passport Seva Kendras were started
the airport was recommissioned, with 150 flights with a good intention in Karnataka and Punjab
operating in 2010 and on 31 December 2012, States for quick issue of passports, in 2011 and
Spice Jet announced flights connecting Mysuru to the External Affairs Ministry has plans to extend
Chennai, via Bengaluru from 14 January 2013. this scheme to all over the country. In 2009, the
Besides, the government has planned to Bengaluru Passport office daily received1,226
develop four green-field air ports at Kalaburagi, passport applications, which was increased to
Shivamogga, Hassan and Vijayapura. The 1,700 in 2010 and the passport office has been
government has planned to build airstrips for trying to issue passports quickly. Passport can be
the landing of aeroplanes at Davangere, Raichur, obtained through registered travel agents and at
Chikamagalur, Udupi, Madikeri-Kushalnagara, the end of April 2011, there were 104 registered
370 travel agents recognized by the Passport office.
The details of passport fees are given below: Waterways. In 1981-82, there were 673 ferries
1) Rs.1000/- for new passport of 36 pages with in the state to cater to the needs of the rural
population. Consequent on the construction of

COMMUNICATIONS
validity of 10 years.

TRANSPORT AND
more roads and bridges in rural areas, the number
2) Rs.1500/- for new passport of 60 pages with a of ferries, have come down to 477 in 1992. During
validity of 10 years. VIII Plan period, an amount of Rs.60 lakhs was
3) Rs.600/- for new passport of 36 pages (for spent for the development of ferries. Even then
persons below 18 years) with a validity of 10 by 2000 AD, the number of ferries was 378 in the
years. State. Out of them, while 26 were maintained
4) Rs.2500/- for 36 pages or 30 pages of duplicate by the department, 42 have been given to private
passport in case of damage or theft. individuals on auction, and a sum of Rs. 2,73,110
was obtained as revenue out of it. By March 2011,
5) Rs.1000/- for change of address, name, place
there were altogether 334 ferries/boats operating

HISTORY
of birth, change of names of husband/wife/
in the State. Of them while 15 were managed
parents/guardians.
departmentally and 47 have been given to Private
agencies on auction. The remaining ferries/boats
WATER TRANSPORT were managed by Zilla Panchayat, Tourism, Forest
department and other private agencies.
Karnataka, a maritime State with a coastal line
of about 300 Km. with 287 nautical km. covering
Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada

PEOPLE
Districts of Coastal Karnataka. Water Transport
which include Inland Waterways and Ocean
Transport is crucial for the economic growth of
the State, as it is cheap and also indispensable
at places where there are no bridges. In earlier
times rivers and seasonal streams were crossed
by using the country boats, rafts, basket boats

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
and ferries. In recent years mechanized boats and
launches are also being used. The district of Uttara
Nada Doni
Kannnada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada are more
favourable for Water Transport. Chronicles of the
overseas travellers, mention of the foreign boats
going even to the upstream of Barakur, Basrur,
Gersoppe and Kadra. Navigation is possible in the
waterways of the State only for short distances,

introduction
particularly in some portions of the West flowing
rivers, their esturies and backwaters. In Uttara
Kannada district, some portions of the Gangavali,
the Aghanashini, the Kali and Sharavathi are
navigable. Navigable portions are found in the Daily Passengers, Boat Transport
Halady, the Kubja, the Chakra and the Kollur rivers
in Udupi District and the Udyavar, Netravathi etc.,
in Dakshina Kannda district.
introduction

Inland Waterways: With a view to have proper

control and supervision over navigation and ferry
services, Inland Waterways Branch was created
in 1972 and attached to the Ports Directorate,
situated at Karwar in Uttara Kannada District.
Many ferry services are directly run by the Inland
371
Boat House
 Statistics of Men and Materials Transported by the Departmental Ferries (2010-11) (in tons)
Particulars 1999-2000 2003-04 2006-07 2010-11
KARNATAKA

Passengers 11,41,954 39,76,570 7,88,727 15,04,492

a HAND BOOK OF

Scooters/Motor Cycles 8,217 32,812 35,387 54,165

Rickshaws 46 67 04 -

Cars 2,248 2,837 10,238 26,537

Vans 940 1,806 1,322 3,850

Trucks 67 68 882 320

Buses 7,571 5,329 6,442 7,889

Carts 47 - - -

Jeeps 2,428 3,017 6,298 12,904

Cycles 8,827 32,812 27,470 38,141

Animals 2,356 719 677 347

Goods (in tonnes) 8,404 7,682.5 6,725.50 715.45

Estimated cost - - 45,40,751 71,66,664

Maintenance - - 46,01,015 49,44,122

Revenue collected Rs.17,60,984 Rs.22,02,354 Rs.21,90,625 Rs.34,15,101

Estimated cost - - Rs.45,50,751 -

Maintenance cost Rs.46,01,015

Source: Karnataka ports and IWT Dept., Karwar.

OCEAN TRANSPORT
Belikeri and Honavar ports commenced exporting
There were no ports in the Old Mysuru State. iron ore during 1957 and 1960. During the Third
Attempts were made to acquire and develop Plan period, the outlay was Rs.280.3 lakhs. The
Bhatkal Port when Sir [Link] was the Centre accorded sanction for the development
Diwan of Mysuru State. Finally, this proposal was of New Mangaluru Port at Panambur into an all
shelved in 1923. After the integration of the States, weather port. Also included in the Third Plan,
Karnataka came to have 18 ports, in addition to was the scheme of developing Karwar into an all-
the major ports of Karwar and Mangaluru. These weather port. The Fourth Plan outlay was Rs.128
ports are located in the coastal districts of Uttara lakhs. The minor ports saw increase in the traffic
Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. They are of general cargo and fisheries and cargo handling
Bhatkal, Shirali, Murdeshwar, Manki, Honavar, capacity of the ports reached 14.43 lakh tonnes. To
Kumta, Tadri, Ankola, Belikeri, Chendiya, Binaga, cope up with the increase in the cargo movement,
Karwar and Majali in Uttara Kannada. Mangaluru it was proposed to improve port facilities during
(Old Port), New Mangaluru Port (Panamburu) Fifth Plan. The total investment proposed for Fifth
Malpe in Dakshina Kannada and Hangarakatta, Plan was Rs.850 lakhs. The proposed expenditure
Kundapur and Baindur in Udupi Districts. These during the same period, by way of Central grant
ports could not get proper attention earlier due for the development of Karwar port was Rs.257.24
to the presence of major ports like Bombay and lakhs. The strategy during the subsequent
Cochin (Western Ghats) on the west coast along Annual Plans was to complete on-going schemes,
with Goa, though it was under the Portuguese. construction of wharves, jetties and other facilities,
In 1957, Mysuru Port Department was formed purchasing dredging machinery, installation of
and a sum of Rs.18 lakhs was sanctioned to Navigational equipments etc. The traffic in nine
372 provide minimum Port facilities. The Karwar, ports exceeded 11 lakh tonnes annually.
 Based on the traffic volume, Karwar port was taken up for development as an all-weather port, at a
cost of Rs.8.5 crores under the State sector. Other ports selected for development due to more traffic
potential were Belikeri, Tadri, Honavar, Bhatkal, Kundapur, Hangarakatta, Mangaluru old port and

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
Malpe. A sum of Rs.1,750 lakhs was spent for the development of ports during the IX Plan period
(1997-2002) in Karnataka . As against the allotted amount of Rs.350 lakhs for the year 1999-2000, only
Rs.276.12 lakhs were spent on various activities.
As on March 2004, the state had 10 minor Intermediate Ports viz., Mangaluru (old), Malpe, Hangarakatta,
Kundapur, Padubidri, Bhatkal, Honnavar, Tadri, Belekeri, Karwar (including Sadashivagad) and one
major Port namely New Mangaluru Port. During 2003-04 under foreign trade by sea 2,53,505 tonnes of
cargo worth Rs.24,406 lakh of imports and 7,13,859 tonnes of cargo worth Rs.23,730 lakhs of exports
being done through the different ports of Karnataka. Under Coastal trade 85,528 tonnes worth Rs.5,082
lakh of imports and 1,14,726 tonnes worth Rs.4,425 lakhs was handled in the state.

HISTORY
Details of foreign transportation from Sea
Import Export
Year Goods Cost Goods Cost
(In tonnes) (In lakhs) (In tonnes) (In lakhs)
2008-09 54,863 6,093 47,25,444 1,64,818

2009-10 1,00,038 1,33,859 81,73,255 3,17,618

PEOPLE
2010-11 84,482 2,03,976 27,78,116 1,57,31,546

Statistics of passengers from Ports

No. of passengers
Year Total passengers

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
Alighted

2008-09 1,492 1,487 2,979

2009-10 791 377 1,168

2010-11 2,277 2,310 4,537

Import and exports through Ocean of State

introduction
Import Export
Year Goods Cost Goods Cost
(In tonnes) (In lakhs) (In tonnes) (In lakhs)
2008-09 92,834 20,31,203 94,981 6,199

2009-10 11,01,736 13,129 99,555 4,381

2010-11 99,766 21,566 1,32,970 7,729

introduction

Ports of Karnataka
Karwar Port: Karwar port has been considered as one of the finest natural ports in the world. It
was predicated that the cargo movement through this port would be around seven million tonnes
during 1995-96. The main export items are iron/manganese ore, granite blocks, agricultural, forest and
marine products. Now it has also been declared as customs port and as an all-weather port. The total
373
 cargo handled (both import and export) during Padubidri : This is a newly declared port,
1999-2000was 4,59,400 metric tonnes. During located towards south from Hangarakatta. There
2003-04, it handled 3,25,845 tonnes of imports were no overseas commercial activities from this
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

and 6,26,352 tonnes of exports. Under Tenth five port in 2010-11.

year plan (2006-07) a sum of Rs.2,800 crores has Bhatkal Port: In olden times Bhatkal was an
been allotted for the improvement of Karwar Port. important trading centre for foreign trade. This
During the first two years of this plan period a natural port, was a major outlet on the West Coast
sum of Rs.781.11 lakhs has been spent for its during Vijayanagara times. Bhatkal is situated
improvement and development. During 2006-07 about 40 km. to the south of Honavar and at the
Rs.293 lakhs has been spent for improvement. It mouth of the Sharavathi river. Commercial traffic
has earned a revenue of Rs.13.38 crores during through this port is very negligible. A sum of Rs.8
2006-07. It handled 2,716 thousand tons of goods lakhs has been spent for its development during
traffic during 2007-08. During 2010-11, export the first two years of 10th plan period. Rs.4 lakhs
of 9,58,460 metric tons of goods and import of was spent during 2006-07 for its development.
1,68,543 metric tons of goods were made earning During 2010-11, there was no overseas commercial
a direct profit of Rs.9,72,39,325. activity.
Belikeri Port: The Port handled exports of Honavar: It is situated at the mouth of the
about 60,895 metric tonnes of iron/manganese Sharavati River and second important port after
ore, during 1992-93. A sum of 90 lakhs was Karwar. The port has been developed during the
allotted in the Eighth Plan for the development of successive Five Year Plans. Total exports handled
the port. It is located about 30 km. to the South of by the port were 1,609 [Link], during 1992-
Karwar in Ankola Taluk. It handled 96,960 tonnes 93. A sum of Rs.12.85 lakhs has been spent for
of exports during 2003-04. Under the 10th Plan for its development during the first two years of 10th
its improvement a sum of Rs.6.58 lakhs has been plan period. Rs.4 lakhs was spent during 2006-07
spent during 2003-04. [Link] lakh was spent for its upliftment. During 2010-11, there were no
during 2006-07 for its improvement. In 2010-11, overseas commercial activities.
18,30,620 metric tons of Iron ore was exported
from this port. Malpe: The Malpe port is located at the
confluence of Udyavara River and lies 64 km. to
Tadri Port: The Port lies at the mouth of the north of Mangaluru and five km. to the west of
Aghanashini, about 54 km. north of Honavar. Udupi. About 17,700 tonnes of silica sand export
About 2,790 tonnes of silica sand was exported were handled by this port in 1992-93. In 1999-
through this port during 1992-93. It reduced 2000, 17,105 metric tonnes of silica sand was
to only 610 metric tonnes during 1999-2000. It exported from this port. It handled 1223 tonnes of
hadled only 815 tonnes of exports during 2003- Imports and 9650 tonnes of exports during 2003-
04. During the first two years of 10th plan period a 04. A sum of Rs.148.67 lakhs has been spent for
sum of Rs.13 lakhs was spent for its development, its development during the first two years of 10th
Rs.10 lakhs being spent during 2006-07. During plan period. Rs.66 lakhs was spent to improve the
2010-11, there were no commercial activities port during 2006-07. A sum of 148.67 lakhs has
related to shipping. been spent for its development during the first two
Kundapur Port : It is located about 33km. to years of 10th plan period. Rs.66 lakhs was spent to
the north of Udupi, the district head quarters, improve the port during 2006-07. It handled only
at the confluence of Gangolli river. There was 14 thousand tonnes of goods traffic during 2007-
considerable movement of traffic through this 08. In 2010-11, it handled commercial activity
port, prior to the development of Karwar port. related to ocean.
About 5,538 metric tonnes of goods were exported Hangarakatta: This port lies at the mouth of
from this port in 1992-93. About 46,445 metric the Sitanadi and at a distance of 22 km. south of
tonnes of cargo was handled during 1999-2000. Kundapur. During 1992-93, only 80 metric tonnes
During the first two years of 10th Plan period, a of cargo was exported from this port. A sum of
sum of Rs.13 lakhs was spent for its development. Rs.2 lakhs has been spent during 2003-04 for its
No expenditure was made during 2006-07. development. Rs. One lakh being spent to improve
374
it during 2006-07. During 2010-11, there were no improving the infrastructure of the minor ports,
overseas commercial activities. an investment of [Link] crore has been made by
September 2012. The construction of 2nd stage of

COMMUNICATIONS
Old Mangaluru port : No major development

TRANSPORT AND
took place in the development of Mangaluru old Karwar port is proposed to be taken up through PPP
port during the previous six plans. The old port mode and, appointment of Transaction Advisor is
is located about ten km. South of New Mangaluru being done for the preparation of detailed project
Port at the Gurupura river bank and at the place report. Anti-sea erosion works and flood control
where the rivers Gurupura and Nethravathi join works have been taken up and an expenditure of
sea and controlled by the State Government. By Rs 1.37 crore has been incurred upto September-
taking into account the transactions of this port 2012. The Ports and Inland Water Transport
and its Shipping needs, it was decided to develop Department is also implementing the Sustainable
the port at an estimated cost of about 12.5 Coastal Protection Project with assistance from

HISTORY
crores, in the VII Plan, construction of wharf and Asian Development Bank at Ullal in Dakshina
dredging of inner channel were completed. Total Kannada District at an estimated cost of Rs. 223
imports and exports routed through this port in crore. and the loan agreement has already been
1992-93, was 58,374 metric tonnes. This port also signed.
provided sea transportations to the Lakshadweep New Mangaluru Port: The New Mangaluru
Islands. It handled 12,025 tonnes of imports Port has been developed into an all-weather major
and 94,808 tonnes of Exports during 2003-04. port, by the Government of India. The port was
A sum of Rs.455.10 lakhs has been spent for its declared in 1974, as the ninth major port in the
improvement during the first two years of the

PEOPLE
country and was developed over the years. During
10th plan period. Besides these, steps are being Eighth Plan, a sum of Rs.60 crores was allotted
taken for the improvement of Old Mangaluru by the centre. Apart from it, some more facilities
port. Government of India has accorded sanction are expected to be created to handle crude oil,
for handling petroleum products through Karwar coal, LPG etc., and the user agencies have also
port. Container service has been introduced there agreed to meet the expenditure. Now this port is
to serve Northern Karnataka. During 2010-11, being administered by New Mangaluru Port Trust

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
it handled 1,35,883 metric tons of goods and Board under Government of India. During 1974-
collected a total revenue of Rs.1,73,86,296/-. 75 it handled only 0.09 million tonnes of cargo
The Karwar, Belikeri, Tadri, Malpe, Honnavar, through 77 ships and during 1984-85 it has gone
Bhatkal, Hangarakatta and Old Mangaluru Ports upto 3.38 million tonnes and 342 ships. During
together have handled 3.12 lakh metric tonnes of 1994-95, the cargo handled was 8 million tonnes
exports and 2.27 lakhs metric tonnes of imports and ships visited were 514. During 2004-05 it
for the year 1999-2000. During 2003-04 they had gone upto 33.89 million tonnes and cargo
went upto 8.28 lakh metric tonnes and 3.39 lakh ships visited the portwas 1,057. During 2006-
metric tonnes respectively. The old Mangaluru

introduction
07 it handled 82.04 million tonnes of traffic with
port has earned a revenue of Rs. 1.28 cores during 17.92 million tonnes of imports and 14.12 million
2006-07. Passengers traveling facility being used tonnes of exports. It also handled 1015 vessels
by 18233 passengers from the port. It handled including18 cruise vessels during 2006-07.
only 76000 tonnes of cargo traffic during 2007-
08. For the development of the Padubidri port a Excluding the new Mangaluru port, and the
sum of Rs.99,000 has been spent during 2003- Karwar, Malpe and old Mangaluru ports, the cargo
04. During 2006-07, a sum of Rs.230 lakhs being traffic handled at other minor ports during 2007-
spent on various developmental activities. Nothing 08 was 6,085 thousand tonnes. During 2009-10,
introduction

was spent during 2006-07 for the improvement of new Mangaluru Port earned a revenue of Rs.363.18
Padubidri port. crores with an expenditure of Rs.238.51 crores and
a proft of Rs.28.66 crores. In the same year goods
Among the minor ports Karwar, Belikeri, Malpe worth Rs.215.68 lakhs metric tons were imported
and Old Mangaluru ports have handled significant and Rs.129.59 lakhs metric tons of goods were
volumes of [Link] considerable drop in cargo exported. During 2010-11, it rose to 210.66 and
handled during 2011-12 & 2012-13 (upto Sept- 104.84 lakh metric tons respectively.
12) is due to ban on Iron Ore [Link] 375
 TRAFFIC HANDLED DURING 2011-12 AND 2012-13(in Lakh tons)
[Link] Name of the Commodity 2011-12 2012-13
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

A. IMPORTS
1 POL (IOC/BPCL) 4.46 4.73
2 Crude Oil (MRPL) 130.80 142.17
3 LPG 20.74 17.83
4 Fertilizer 8.04 5.10
5 Wooden Logs 2.96 2.47
6 Edible Oil 6.34 6.19
7 Coal 40.21 69.10
8 Liquid Ammonia 0.51 0.47
9 Phosphoric Acid 1.38 1.17
10 Cement (Mech) 2.53 2.62
11 Limestone 0.55 0.26
12 Containerised cargo 2.89 3.29
13 Others 15.43 17.71
Total(A) 236.84 273.21
B. EXPORTS
1 POL Products(MRPL) 66.43 78.25
2 Iron Ore Pellets 17.71 10.93
3 Iron Ore Fines 0.49 0.26
4 Granite stone 0.95 0.07
5 Containerised cargo 3.55 3.62
6 Others 3.43 4.00
TOTAL B 92.56 97.13
GRAND TOTAL: A+B 329.41 370.35
The operational performance of New Mangaluru Port Trust is furnished here for reference.

OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF NMPT during 2012-13

Performance Indicators 2012-13
Total Traffic (In million tons) 37.04
No. of vessels handled 1071
Pre-berthing delay (In days) 1.05
Average Turn Round Time (In days) 3.30
Average Parcel size (In tons) 34609
Average Output per berth day (In tons) 15917
Average Output per hook per shift (In tons) 1495.

376
 The financial performance of the New Mangaluru Port for the lasr four years is given below.

COMMUNICATIONS
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF NMPT OVER THE YEARS

TRANSPORT AND
2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Income (Rs.
308.76 353.98 363.18 353.20 432.40
crores)

Expdenditure
181.81 205.97 234.51 244.90 265.90
([Link])

Net Surplus
126.95 148.01 128.66 108.30 166.60
([Link])

HISTORY
Goods transport in Ports
(In 1000 Metric tons)
Year
Port
2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Old Mangaluru 88.000 75.10 124.90

PEOPLE
Karwar 2,956.10 2,23,7.60 1,126.60

Belikeri 1,907.72 6,273.80 1,830.60

Malpe 6.00 2.08 1.37

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
Traffic handled by Ports (‘000 MTs)
Ports 2011-12 2012-13 (Up to Sept.12)

Old Mangaluru 87.80 16.80

Karwar 497.20 260.30

Belikeri - -

introduction
Malpe 2.74 0.85

Source: Public Works, Ports and Inland Water Transport

Sea Erosion: Out of the 300 km.s of coastal belt, nearly 240.54 km.s of it faces severe sea erosion.
Besides this, the tidal reaches of as many as 14 rivers like Kali, Aghanashini, Gangavali, Sharavathi,
Kollur, Sita, Gurupur, Netravathi, Belekeri etc., are also subject to river bank erosion. As a precautionary
introduction

measure, till March 2007, about 57 km.s long erosion protection wall has been built in different critical
places at a cost of Rs.60 crores. A master plan to find permanent solution to this problem costing Rs.292
crores has been sent to the Central Water Commission of India for approval. Sea erosion protection
works has been undertaken as per the design of D.R.D.O., Pune and K.E.R.S., Mandya. During 2010-
11 Rs.1038.69 lakhs has been spent for conservation works of coast, 500 metre of sea coast at Uttara
Kannada District and 450 meters in Udupi District, were conserved by constructing erosion protection
wall.
377
 KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

378 Stamps Collection (Related to Karnataka)

 (GPO) was opened in 1800 and was one of the
most important post offices in the Madras circle
after Madras GPO. In 1854, Bengaluru was a

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
Saddar or Head Office and Subordinate offices
attached to it were Panadvapura (French Rocks),
Hunsur, Harihara, Madikeri, Mysuru, Shivamogga,
Srirangapatna and Tumakuru. In 1870, there
were receiving houses at Bengaluru Cantonment
and Bengaluru city. Kollegal was transferred from
Coimbatore Head office to Bengaluru Head office
in 1889. In 1891, Money Order services were
First Day Postal Cover
transferred from State Treasury to Post Offices.

HISTORY
POSTAL SERVICES The Old post offices in Kodagu district were
Virajpet (1864), Madikeri (1870) and Ammathi
As early as 17th century, old Mysuru State
(1871). Post was directly transported from Mysuru
had local postal system called ‘Anche’, the word
Railway Station to Madikeri on Horse carts in
popularised by prince Chikkadevaraya. ‘Anche’,
1894. District Postal Department was under the
being the Kannada form of ‘Hamsa’, the messenger
control of PMG Madras. The postal division of
used by Nala and Damyanti of epic fame.
Dakshina Kannada included the entire district
Under Odeyars, it was a part of the intelligence
and a part of the present Kerala. Ballari district
department and was headed by the Anche Bakshi.
in the Madras Presidency had a postal division.

PEOPLE
Imperial Post Offices working under the British
There were 30 post offices at Kumta and Karwar in
at Srirangapatna, Hunsur and Tumakuru were
1883. Besides, there were 17 sub-post offices and
included in the Anche [Link] the two imperial
11 village post offices also were working during
postal lines functioning, the Bengaluru-Bombay
the same period.
postal route was passing through Chitradurga and
Harihara; the other from Bengaluru to Mangaluru In Hyderabad-Karnataka, the Nizam’s Govt.
via Mysuru and Madikeri. There were imperial had a Postal Department of its own and the

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
Post Offices at places like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Govt. Service mail was carried and delivered by
Harihara and Pandavapura in the princely state the orderlies or sawars. In 1869 the first postage
of Mysuru (French Rocks). The British had opend stamp of Hyderabad was introduced and postal
their post offices at Bengaluru Cantonment insurance scheme in 1907. There was a British
and Mangaluru during the first decade of the Indian Post office at Humnabad. The postal dept.
nineteenth century and other centres of Bombay- of Hyderabad was merged with central postal
Karnataka during the second and third decades system on 1.4.1950. The Hyderabad Karnataka
of the nineteenth century. Dharwad had a post region was under the Kalaburagi postal division

introduction
office in 1820 and Hubballi in 1833. The number from 1959-60.
of post offices rose from 180 (1882) to 412 (1886) The Vijayapura and Belagavi districts were
in the Mysuru Kingdom and Quarter Anna post under the Southern Maratha Postal division in
cards were introduced in old Mysuru. The Mysuru 1884 and the Head offices were functioning at
Anche system until its merger with the imperial Vijayapura, Kaladgi and Belagavi. In Belagavi
postal department in 1889 was rendering services district 40 post offices and one telegraph office
at a very cheap rate. at Belagavi were functioning during 1884. From
For some time, in the beginning, the post Bombay to Karwar, posts were carried by steamers
introduction

was carried by the runners and delivered to the once a week. In 1803, a runner route was opened
destinations. There was a cart line service between between Bombay and Madras via Belagavi,
Madras and Bengaluru. After the completion of Dharwad, Harihara and Bengaluru. About 230
Railway line between Bengaluru and Madras in runners were employed for this purpose. Another
1864, mail was transported in trains. With the runner route was passing from Malabar to Bombay
introduction of motor vehicles during the early through Honavar and Dharwad. Postal bags were
decades of 20th century, mail was carried by the exchanged at Dharwad, since it was an important
centre in the postal system. 379
motor buses. The Bengaluru General Post Office
 In 1921-22, the Director of Industries and in Urban areas and 8569 post offices located in
Commerce was appointed as liaison officer, rural areas. Each post office served a population
between the State and the British Post and of 5725 people and covered an area of 19.5 [Link].
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

Telegraph Department. There were four Head in the State as against to 7,174 people and 21.2
offices, 109 sub offices and 376 Branch offices in [Link]. per post offices.
the Princely Mysuru State during 1923-24. As on March 2010, there were 9,820 Post offices.
With the formation of Karnataka Post and there were 9772 post offices. Belagum district with
Telegraph Circle on 1.4.1960, Kalaburagi Division 566 post offices ranked first and Chikkaballapura
(Hyderabad circle); Dharwad and Belagavi with 147 offices was at the bottom.
Divisions (Bombay circle): Bengaluru, Mysuru, The number of letter boxes which stood at
Dakshina Kannada and Ballari Divisions (Madras 8,557 in 1960, rose to 27,348 in 1992, an almost
Circle) were transferred to the Karnataka Postal 319% increase over the last few decades, The
Circle. One Railway Mail Service (RMS) Division at number of letter boxes in use by March 2000 was
Bengaluru (Q division) was also transferred from 30,367 comprised of 8,105 boxes at urban places
Madras Circle. Under the control of this division, and 22,262 boxes in rural areas. There were 8,060
there were six RMS sorting offices in running rented post boxes, 401 postbags, 177 post boxes
trains. There is a phenomenal increase in the postal cum bags earning a total revenue of Rs. 13,05,701
activities after the formation of Karnataka Circle. from them, There are also seven Night Post Offices
As aon 1.4.1960, there were 3,966 post offices in working at Bengaluru (2) Mysuru, Davanagere,
the State and on an average one post office was Hampanakatta (Mangaluru), Belagavi and
there for every 48.38 [Link]. and to a population of Hubballi respectively, Two Philatelic Bureaux in
5,934. On 1.7.1965, the Quick Mail Service (QMS) the state are at Bengaluru GPO and Mangaluru
was started between Bengaluru and Delhi and H.O. Since 2000, all H.O.’s have been authorized
later it was extended to the district headquarters to open philatelic counters. The mail is carried
and other centres, three Speed Post center were over a route length of 11,443 km. by rail, 1,00,459
located at Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru. km. by road, 12,195 km. by runners and 32,334
In Bengaluru alone. There were 33 speed post km. by other modes in the State. The total revenue
booking centers apart from six in Mangaluru and earned from all sources by the department during
three in Mysuru. Point to point Speed Post Facility the year was Rs.135.12 crores as against the
is available in many cities. There are at present working expenditure of 218.44 crores. The Postal
eight speed post centres on national network Training Centre at Mysuru is imparting training
and 28 Speed post centres at state level, with a to the newly recruited postal assistants, sorters,
revenue earning of Rs. 12,42,984 from speed instructors and others. As a result of liberalization,
post service. The Corresponding statistics as on private agencies like Courier, VRL, Professionals,
31.03.1992 was 9,707 post offices on an average DTDC, The Franch Express and Eagle Fly Fax
of one for every 19.80 [Link]. and for a population are also providing effective postal services with
of 4,680. By March 1999, there were 9,852 post accuracy and punctuality.
offices working in the state. In March 2000, the
Karnataka Postal Circle office had control over Important among the postal services are: (1)
the three regions of Bengaluru, South Karnataka General Post (2) Speed post (3) Direct post (4)
and North Karnataka with their head quarters E-payment (6) Business post (8) Media post (6)
at Bengaluru for the first two and Dharwad for WIMT Mail Transfer from other countries (7) IMO
the last one. There were altogether 9,873post (Immediate Money Order) (8) E-post.
offices comprising 70 head Offices, 1785 Sub Post People are investing in Postal savings scheme
Offices, 296 Extra Departmental Sub-Officers and and the details are as follows: (1) Post Office Savings
7,722 Extra Departmental Branch Offices in the Account, (2) 5 years Recurring Deposit Account, (3)
State. During the year 1999-2000, 1,23,34,011 Time Deposit Scheme, (4) Monthly Income Scheme
registered articles were booked in the state. As on (5) 15 years Public provident fund scheme, (6) 5
March 2003, there were 9,908 Post Officers in the years National Savings Scheme (Eighth series), (7)
State. But by March 2008, it had come down to 10 years National Savings Scheme (Ninth series),
380 9,826. Among them 1257 post offices were located (8) Senior Citizen Savings Scheme.
 Telegraph: Construction of telegraph lines of December 2012 is second largest network in
was started around 1853 and by 1856 about 537 the world after China. Out of this, 338.59 million
km. telegraph lines were laid in princely Mysuru. telephone connections are in rural areas and

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
Madikeri was an important centre in the coastal 556.92 million are in urban areas of the country.
telegraphic division of Malabar during 1889-90, There were 24.01 million Internet subscribers
as the telegraph line from Mysuru to Cannanore including 14.68 million Broadband subscribers
passed via Madikeri. There was a branch line to at the end of September 2012. The number of
Mangaluru in 1865. Mangaluru had one central Broadband subscribers increased to 14.98 million,
telegraph office. The two telegraph offices working end of December 2012. Tele-density, which shows
in the state in 1890-91, were at Mysuru and the number of telephones per 100 populations, is
Bengaluru. British had also connected their district an important indicator of telecom penetration in
headquarters like Bengaluru cantonment, Ballari, the country. Tele-density, which was 78.66% at
Belagavi and Dharwad by telegraph lines. By 2000, the end of March 2012, increased to 79.58% by

HISTORY
there were 4,032 combined telegraphic offices and the end of June 2012 and then declined to 73.34%
253 independent telegraphic offices in the state by the end of December 2012.
with 81 telegraphic offices accepting the telegrams Present Status of the Telecommunication Sector
even in Devanagari Script. But due to maximum (As on December 31, 2012).
use of Telephones and Cell phones, telegraphic
• Indian telecom network is second largest in the
usage is lessening considerably throughout the
world after China.
country, even then it still continues domestically
with less significance. BSNL announced the • The country has 895.51 million telephone

PEOPLE
discontinuation of its telegram services from 15 connections, including 864.72 million wireless
July 2013, after 160 years in service. It was opened telephone connections.
to the public in February 1855; it was upgraded to • Overall tele-density in the country is 73.34%.
a web-based messaging system in 2010, through
• Urban tele-density is 149.55%, whereas rural
182 telegraph offices across India.
tele-density is 39.90%.

COMMUNICATION
• The share of wireless telephones in total

TRANSPORT AND
TELECOMMUNICATION telephones is 96.56%. The share of private
Telecommunications has evolved as a basic sector in total telephones is 85.51%. Number of
infrastructure like electricity, roads, water etc., and Broadband connections is 14.98 million. Among
has also emerged as one of the critical components the service areas, Tamil Nadu (109.64%) has
of economic growth required for overall socio the highest tele-density followed by Himachal
economic development of the country. The Indian Pradesh (102.76%), Punjab (101.92%), Kerala
telecom sector has registered a phenomenal growth (100.76%) and Karnataka (91.26%).
during the past few years and has become second Bengaluru Cantonment appears to be the

introduction
largest telephone network in the world, only first recipient of telephone system, soon after
after China. A series of reform measures by the its installation at Madras. During the Khedda
Government, the wireless technology and active Operation at Kakanakote in 1889, a line of
participation by private sector played an important about 36 miles was laid between Hunsur and
role in the exponential growth of telecom sector in Kakanakote. Another line of about 17 km. was
the country. National Telecom Policy-2012 (NTP- laid between Hesaraghatta Water Reservoir and
2012) has been announced during the current Chikkabanavar during 1896. During the plague
year with the primary objective of maximizing outbreak in Bengaluru and Mysuru in 1898,
introduction

public good by making available affordable, reliable temporary telephone lines were installed at
and secure telecommunication and Broad-band Bengaluru for anti-plague operations. In 1899, 50
Services across the entire country. government offices were provided with permanent
Present Status lines. In 1909, new lines were laid in Mysuru City
and later connected to Bengaluru in 1911-12.
The Indian telecom network with 895.51
The telephone system was under the control of
million telephone connections, including 864.72
Electricity Department in the beginning. By 1918, 381
million wireless telephone connections, at the end
 the total length of telephone lines in the princely District ranked first with 6.08,103 telephones. As
Mysuru State was about 852 km. on March 2003, there were altogether 27,53,499
Use of telephones in the twin cities of Hubballi telephone connections serving the needs of the
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

and Dharwad was started in 1936. On 31.3.1936, people in the State. There were 739 telephone
a telephone exchange of 50 connections was exchanges functioning in Karnataka Circle in
established at Dharwad. Belagavi city appears to 1982, as against 1707 in 1992. As many as 92
have got telephone in 1930. new exchanges were started in 1992-93 and thus
bringing the total number to 1,799 exchanges. They
Telephone Exchange of Ballari was rose to 2,354 by March 2000. As on March2003,
commissioned in 1940, and had 50 connections it had gone upto 2,696. Due to substantial
at the outset. In 1952, telephone link between growth in information technology mobile phones
Mysuru and Madikeri was established. Use of are increasing considerably and at the same
Telephones in Madikeri City began on 22-1-1955. time the land lines are decreasing to certain
The first telephone exchange in Chitradurga extent. As a result by March 2008 there were
district was started at Davangere on 5-2-1953 2727 telephone exchanges to serve the 26,10,353
with 43 connections. The telephone exchanges telephone subscribers in the state. If Bengaluru
at Mandya and Chikkamagaluru, were started in (Urban) district with 8,80,435 telephones topped
1955 and 1956 respectively. the list, Dakshina Kannada district with 1,86,446
When Karnataka Postal Circle was formed telephones ranked second. Chamarajanagar with
in 1960, the administration of the Postal and 17,389 telephones ranked last. This is due to
Telecommunication services in the State was mobile phones gaining more popularity.
within this newly created postal circle. Due to
the expansion of postal and telecommunication
services, the combined set-up was bifurcated on Use of Cellular phones (No. of subscribers)
1.9.1974. The Karnataka Postal Circle was headed Year
by the Post Master General, whereas Karnataka
2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Telecommunications Circle was headed by the
Bharath
General Manager. There was a separate General
Sanchar 20,85,432 27,43,511 39,41,833
Manager for Bengaluru city telephones. Nigam Ltd.

A separate circle was formed for Bengaluru Cellular

Phone users
Telephones in 1964. It was upgraded into major 80,87,446 1,07,99,175 5,05,47,525
of Private
Telephone district on 23-7-1976. The growth Companies
of Bengaluru Telecom District was spectacular. Total 1,01,72,878 1,35,42,686 2,44,89,358
In 1966, there were only 13,300 telephones in
Bengaluru and it increased to 44,800 in 1978
and to 57,658 in 1982. During 1989, there were Details of B.S.N.L. and Private Cellular users
85,475 phone connections. Service Centre Rural City Total
In 1971, there were 33 exchanges with Tamil Nadu 51.65 158.28 110.37
7,310 telephones in Dakshina Kannada district
Kerala 55.01 146.04 103.79
Mangaluru City alone had 4,200 telephones.
Maharashtra 48.27 144.21 92.96
There were 18,753 connections in use in 1960-
61, and their number in 1991-92 was 1,39,503. Karnataka 35.33 182.21 90.48
There were 1,30,230 telephones in Dakshina Andhra Pradesh 35.33 182.84 76.38
Kannada District, where as 52,011 telephones
All India 35.60 163.13 73.97
were operating in Udupi District by March 2000.
During the period from 1982 to 1992, there was
rapid expansion in the telephone system. As a The density (183.21) of Karnataka is higher than
result, 83,258 telephones which were in use during All India density (163.13). But when compared to
1982, rose to 3,75,043 telephones in 1992-93. By density of Southern States, Karnataka occupies
March 2000, there were 18,29,400 telephones second place and fifth place in the urban and
382 working in the State and Bengaluru (urban) rural density.
 Though the number of Telephone exchanges 5,644 village panchayats were linked up with the
are increasing, the number of land phone telephone network. Travelling public too was
connections have decreased considerably, mainly taken care of by installing 207 public telephones

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
due to increasing mobile connections of private on the national highways. There were 20,933
companies. public STD booths working in different parts of
Details of Telephone Exchanges and the state by the end of March 1999. Free phone
Telephones connections were provided to 598 tribal villages
and 48 hospitals at various district headquarters.
Telephone
Year
Exchanges
Telephones At present, all the taluk and Hobli headquarters
were brought under STD network and majority of
2008-09 2,651 23,26,532
the villages were provided with telephone services.
2009-10 2,694 21,87,802
Coin booths have entered rural villages and
common man being given access to it. The advent

HISTORY
2010-11 2,789 20,40,456 of cell phones has brought revolutionary effect in
the field of telecommunication, private companies
like Airtel, Reliance, Vodaphone, Air-cell, Idea,
The Telephones per 100 Population-Urban/ Tata-indicom, Docomo have been competing
Rural (Tele-density) in KARNATAKA as on 31st with BSNL by extending varieties of schemes to
December 2012 was as was 91.26% (overall) with the customers. Cell companies like Sony, Nokia,
170.84% (Urban) and 42.92% (rural) respectively. Samsung etc., are bringing vivid type of mobile
At the same time, the overall number of units regularly.

PEOPLE
telephones 58405069 inoperation was 55233315 The first Telex Exchange in Karnataka was
with 39075369 (urban) and 16157946 (rural) established at Bengaluru in 1963. Later followed
accounting for 29.25%. The Number of Telephones the Telex Exchanges at Mysuru, Mangaluru,
as on 31st December 2012 in Karnataka, as Hubballi, Belagavi, Davanagere, Ballari and
of wire line telephones was 2451120; of them Raichur. Nine more exchanges were opened during
1705830 were public sector units and 745290 1992, thus bringing the umber of Telex Exchanges

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
were private operators. Among the total wireless to 3,079, and those on the waiting list were 462.
phones of 52782195, 6998146 were public sector Fax service, E-mail and internet facilities have
units and 45784049 were private sector units. made communication both cheaper and quicker.
Thus by December 2012, 55233315 telephones The telecommunication department by providing
were in operation in the State. broad band connections to its subscribers in
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., (BSNL): It is recent years has made internet facilities easily
providing varied telecommunication services to available to its customers.
the whole country. Besides, private agencies are Though it offers services at lowest tariffs, the
also in the field. Mobile Phone Service has become

introduction
private comoanies continue to notch up better
more common now days and through it people are numbers in all areas, years after year. BSNL has
getting maximum benefit. Infact it has succeeded been providing connections in both urban and
in bringing the people closer and closer. Mobile rural areas. Pre-activated Mobile connections are
instruments are available at competitive price available at many places across India. BSNL has
with facilities like SMS (Short Message Service), also unveiled cost-effective broadband internet
Camera, Playing games etc., provided within access plans (DataOne) targeted at homes and
them. small businesses. At present BSNL enjoy’s around
introduction

In 1992-93, the number of STD/ISD routes in 60% of market share of ISP services. 2007 was
the State was 590. Apart from district headquarters, declared as “Year of Broadband” in India and
159 taluk headquarters were brought under the BSNL announced plans for providing 5 million
STD network. During 92-93, 767 STD points broadband connectivity by the end of 2007. BSNL
were newly opened in order to facilitate greater upgraded Dataone connections for a speed of up
access to the non-telephone owning public. The to 2 Mbit/s without any extra cost. This 2 Mbit/s
total STD points stood at 2,800. By providing new broadband service was provided by BSNL at a cost
connections to 1,207 village panchayats, altogether of just US$ 11.7 per month (as of 21 July 2008 383
 and at a limit of 2.5GB monthly limit with 0200- is major provider of Cellular Mobile Telephone
0800 hrs as no charge period). Further, BSNL is services using GSM platform under the brand
rolling out new broadband services. BSNL planned name Cellone & Excel (BSNL Mobile). As of 30
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

to increase its customer base to 108 million June 2010 BSNL has 13.50% share of mobile
customers by 2010. With the frantic activity in the telephony in the country.
communication sector in India, the target appears 3) WLL-CDMA Telephone Services: BSNL’s WLL
achievable. BSNL is a pioneer of rural telephony (Wireless in Local Loop)service is a service giving
in India. BSNL has recently bagged 80% of US$ both fixed line telephony & Mobile telephony.
580 m (INR 25 billion) Rural Telephony project of 4) Internet: BSNL provides Internet_access”
Government of India. On 20 March 2009 BSNL services through dial-up connection (as
advertised the launch of Blackberry services Sancharnet through 2009”cite_note-8” as
across its Telecom circles in India. The corporation Prepaid, NetOne”cite_note-9”as Postpaid and
has also launched 3G services in select cities ADSL broadband as BSNL Broadband”cite_
across the country. Presently, BSNL and MTNL note-10” BSNL held 55.76% of the market share
are the only players to provide 3G services, as with reported subscriber base of 9.19 million
the Government of India has completed auction Internet subscribers with 7.79% of growth at
of 3G services for companies. BSNL shall get 3G the end of March 2010. Top 12 Dial-up Service
bandwidth at lowest bidder prices of ` 185 billion, providers, based on the subscriber base, It
which includes ` 101.86 billion for 3G and Rs Also Provides Online Games via its HYPERLINK
83.13 billion for BWA. As of December 2011, many “Games_on_Demand” (GOD)
other private operators have started rolling out
their 3rd Generation (aka 3G) services alongside 5) Intelligent Network (IN): BSNL offers value-
and are enjoying some success in their campaigns added services, such as Free Phone Service
to get market share. While BSNL still maintains (FPH), India Telephone Card (Prepaid card),
its connectivity standard and expands to many Account Card Calling (ACC), Virtual Private
more areas including rural areas with their 3G Network (VPN), Tele-voting, Premium Rae
services. Also the network infrastructure has been Service (PRM), Universal Access Number
upgraded from 3.6 Mbit/s to 7.2 MBits/sec. It is (UAN).
enjoying a slow but somewhat steady success in 6) 3G:BSNL offers the ‘3G’ or the’3rd Generation’
gaining market share in this regard. services which includes facilities like video
The introduction of MNP(Mobile Number calling, mobile broadband, live TV, 3G Video
Portability) which is an service that lets the portal, streaming services like online full length
consumer change wireless service providers while movies and video on demand etc.
retaining their actual mobile number, BSNL has 7) IPTV:BSNL also offers the ‘Internet Protocol
seen many customers opting for this service to move Television’ facility which enables customers to
away [Link] the services to other operators. watch television through internet.
Despite this as the Indian Wireless market grows 8) FTTH:Fibre To The Home facility that offers a
BSNL still has a loyal base of subscribers and higher bandwidth for data transfer. This idea
many more subscribers being added to it every was proposed on post-December 2009
day. This provides customer services for 95 million 9) Helpdesk: BSNL’s Helpdesk (Helpdesk) provide
as of June 2011. help desk support to their customers for their
BSNL provides almost every telecom service services.
in India. Following are the main telecom services 10) VVoIP: BSNL, along with Sai Infosystem - an
provided by BSN. Information and Communication Technologies
1) Universal Telecom Services : Fixed wireline (ICTs) provider - has launched Voice and Video
services and landline in local loop (WLL) using over Internet Protocol (VVoIP). This will allow
CDMA Technology called bfone and Tarang in making audio as well as video calls to any
respectively. As of 30 June 2010, BSNL had landline, mobile, or IP phone anywhere in the
75% marketshare of fixed lines. world, provided that the requisite video phone
equipment is available at both ends.
384 2) Cellular Mobile Telephone Services: BSNL
11) Broadband Access Technology with the regional station. The Mangaluru Station was
minimum speed of 256kbit/s. The focus of inaugurated on the 14th November 1976.
this service is mainly rural customer where the

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After 1990, seven more A.I.R. stations began

TRANSPORT AND
wired broadband facility is not available. to operate at places like Chitradurga and Hassan
BSNL has started 3G services in 290 cities and (1991), Hosapete (1992), Madikeri and Raichur
acquired more than 600,000 customers. It has (1993), Karwar (1994), Vijayapura (1997) and
planned to roll out 3G services in 760 cities across Ballari (2003). Consequently, by October 2006,
the country in 2010-11. According to users and the total number of stations has increased from
big sources BSNL’s 3G data speed is much higher six to 14. Among them, while Dharwad, Bengaluru
than other operator and also it is competitively and Bhadravati AIR stations have 2 x 100 KW
cheap. transmitters, Kalaburagi and Mangaluru have
Broadband Services: The shift in demand 2 x 10 KW transmitters; Chitradurga has 6 KW

HISTORY
from voice to data has revolutionized the very and Hosapete has 2.5 KW transmitters; Hassan,
nature of the network. BSNL is poised to cash on Madikeri, Raichur, Karwar and Vijayapura have
this opportunity and has planned for extensive 2x3 KW transmitters, whereas Mysuruhas only 1
expansion of the Broadband services. Broadband KW transmitter. It is proposed to equip the AIR
Increase in Broadband connectivity is being seen station at Mysuru with 10 KW transmitters to
as an integral driver of improved socio-economic broadcast the routine programmes more effectively.
performance. Broadband services empower masses For the purpose of broadcasting Vividh Bharati
and allow individuals to access new career and Programmes separate low powered transmitters
have been set up at Bengaluru and Dharwad.

PEOPLE
educational opportunities, help businesses reach
new markets and improve efficiency and enhance Both the Stations are attached with regional news
the Government’s capacity to deliver critical units which bring out three regional Kannada news
services like health, banking and commerce to all bulletins daily. The radio stations cover about
of its citizens. There were 14.98 million Broadband 96% of the State’s population. FM (Frequency
subscribers in the country by the end of December Module) stations operating at Bengaluru (FM
[Link] Broadband customer base of 3.56 Rainbow (2001) and Amruthavarshini (2004) serve

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
Million customers in March’2009 is planned to be the listeners of, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Vijayapura
increased to 16.00 million by March 2014. and other places with news and vivid cultural
programmes. Along with these private [Link]
are also serving the public with attractive cultural
ALL INDIA RADIO programmes. AIR-Bengaluru has a primary
A radio transmission centre called Akashavani channel Vividh Bharati (CBS) (1972), FM Rainbow
was started by [Link], a Psychology (2001), Amrutavarshini (2004), a classical music
Professor of Mysuru University at Mysuru in 1935 channel. Its local archives has the voices of more
than 1300 eminent personalities of film, music,

introduction
through private effort. The station was later taken
over by the State Government in January 1941. politics, social works, business, science, arts,
At a later stage it was taken over by the Centre literature and other cultural fields broadcast
and shifted to Bengaluru in November 1955. during the last 50 years.
In the same year, the Bengaluru AIR Station At the end of December 2011, there were
commenced its broadcast through one high power 19 Akashavani Stations (Bengaluru, Ballari,
transmitter. The First [Link] in the North Bhadravathi, Vijayapura, Budikote, Chitradurga,
Karnataka region started functioning at Dharwad, Dharwar, Kalaburagi, Hassan, Hosapete, Karwar,
on 8th November, 1950. In 1964, Vividth Bharati
introduction

Madikeri, Mangaluru, Manipal, Mysuru, Raichur,

(CBS) was added to Dharwar unit. Opening of this Sringeri, Tumakuru, and Udupi). Apart from
station was a boon to the cultural field of North this, Radio city, Radio Indigo, Big 92.7 F.M., Red
Karnataka. Auxiliary stations at Bhadravati F.M., Radio Mirchi, Raman Voice, Active Fever
and Kalaburagi were started in 1965 and 1966 104, F.M. Gyan Vani, Radio Universal, Jnana
respectively. Another low power transmitter at vani run by Indira Gandhi Open University, and
Mysuru was inaugurated on the 14th November such other private F.M. stations are broadcasting
1974. It was upgraded in 1989 as an independent programmes. 385
 TELEVISION By 1998, there were altogether 46
Although, Doordarshan entered India on [Link], comprised of 4(HPT), 39 (LPT)
September 15, 1959 (Delhi), Kalaburagi was the and 1 (OT) respectively. During 1999-2000,
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

first centre in Karnataka to have a relay centre. It besides upgrading the Hassan centre from LPT to
was inauguarated on 3-9-1977 and at the outset, HPT (10KW), new LPT’s have been commissioned
in a radius of 40 km., 240 villages and towns of at Hiriyur, Hosadurga and Dandeli along with the
Raichur and Vijayapura districts and Kalaburagi VLPT commissioned at Badami in Bagalkot district.
were benefited by community viewing. The The exclusively part-time Kannada Channel,
community viewing, [Link] were maintained and DD9 was made a 24 hours Kannada Channel
serviced by the Doordarshan Kendra, Kalaburagi. (Chandana) of 12 hours of repetition, meant mainly
Bengaluru City was provided with an interim for Kannada literary programme, socio-economic
TV relay centre on 1-1-1981. Initially, Bombay and cultural activities with 30% of commercial
and Madras TV Programmes were relayed for a viable programmes. The Doordarshan Kendra,
limited period on the selected days of the week. Bengaluru had earned a sum of Rs.19,61,67100
But programmes could be locally produced and in 1998-99 from both sponsored programmes and
telecast only from December 1983. In 1984, TV commercial sources, but its revenue has fallen
transmitters were commissioned at Mangaluru, down to Rs.12,05,87,975 for the year ending
Davangere, Vijayapura, Ballari, Gadag, Raichur, 1999-2000. So for it has succeeded in covering
Dharwad, Mysuru, Belagavi and Hosapete. The 75.9% of the total area and 69.8% of the total
full-fledged production centre of the Bengaluru population in the State which is well below the
Doordarshan was started in 1988. national average of 88.5% and 75.5% respectively.
It is estimated that nearly 2.8 crores of the total
state population were regular [Link] within
the State. There is a proposal not only to upgrade
Mysuru and Mangaluru [Link] from LPT
to HPT, but also install LPT’s at Mudhol and
Sindhanur. As on Dec.2000, 4 HPT’s, 46 LPTs and
3 VLPTs were operating in the state and providing
DDI, DD2 and Chandana Channel services to the
people of Karnataka. As on 30-12-2012 68 (12
HPT’s 49LPT’s and 7 LPT’s) National transmitters
were operating in the State. Accordingly the
Doordarshan Maintenance Centres(DMCs)
Bengaluru Doordarshan Kendra
were working at Belagavi, Hosapete, Mysuru,
The Doordarshan Kendra, through regional
Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Bengaluru, Vijayapura,
language satellite service started relaying Kannada
Davangere.
programmes from 1-3-1990. It was gradually
regularized from 1-11-1990. On 12-1-1992, Besides Doordarshan Channels like D.D.I.,
Shivamogga had a 10 KW transmitter. As on 18- Chandana, privately initiated satellite channels
5-1993, there were 27 TV transmitters working in like Udaya, Udaya 2, Udaya Movies, Udaya News,
the State. All of them are connected to Bengaluru- Ushe, TV9, Survarna, Kasturi, E-TV Kannada,
Doordarshan Kendra. Apart from Kannada Udaya_Comedy, Udaya_Movie, Zee Cinema
Programmes, the Kendra is also telecasting Kannada Kids Chintu Tv, Polimer Kannada
programmes in Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Urdu, Sandalwood Channel. Public Music Zee TV,
Kodava, Konkani and other Indian languages. Udaya Music, Raj Music ,Channel UFX” Samaya
About 72% of the population and an area of 86% News, Janashri news, Kannada Suvana_News,
in the State, was covered by the Doordarshan from Kasthuri News, Raj News; Tamil Channels
1993-94. The Kendra started its DD9 (Chandana) like Sun, Raj and Vijaya; Telugu channels like
transmission from 15-8-1994. Kannada Movie club Eenadu, Gemini T.V.; Hindi channels like Zee,
was initiated in August 1995 and the Karnataka star and Sony; Malayalam channels like Eenadu
Regional Services DDK tract was inaugurated from and Asianet; Other Channels like Star, ESPN,
386 December 1995. Ten sports, BBC, Discovery, National Geographic,
FTV, MTV, Channels-V, Pogo, CNN., etc., are The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
providing varieties of entertainment through Cable issued a notification on 11 November 2011, setting
Operators. At present, local cable operators in the 31 March 2015 as the deadline for complete shift

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
towns and cities are associating together to form from analog to digital systems. In December 2011,
a single city cable network, through which the Parliament passed The Cable Television Networks
programmes are telecasted within the respective (Regulation) Amendment Act to digitize the cable
city jurisdictions. DTH (Direct to Home) services television sector by 2014. Digitization, on cable and
have given the T.V. viewers freedom in selecting terrestrial, will be carried out in four phases, in a
the channels according to their taste at a cheaper 3-year transition starting from 31 October 2012,
rate. But still cable network has an upper hand in and finishing on 31 March 2015. The four metros
this regard. Under DD Direct Plus, was started by of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai have to
Doordarshan on 16th Dec.2004. It is the first free shift to digital addressability by 31 October 2012.
DTH service offering 33 TV channels and 12 radio- The second phase will include 38 cities in 15 states,

HISTORY
channels to the customers. Today, Doordarshan such as Patna, Chandigarh, Pune Bengaluru
has two Kendras Bengaluru (1983) and Kalaburagi and Mysuru by 31 March 2013. But due to court
(1994) and maintenance centres at Bengaluru, directions, it has been extended. All urban areas
Belagavi, Vijayapura, Davanagere, Kalaburagi, are expected to digitize by 30 November 2014 and
Hosapete, Mangaluru and Mysuru. As on March the remaining areas by 31 March 2015.
2006, Doordarshan has 2 studios (out of 67 in the National Telecom Policy-2012 (NTP-2012)
whole country) at Bengaluru and Kalaburagi, 55 The Government approved National Telecom
(8HPTs, 47 LPTs) as National Channel Transmitters, Policy-2012 (NTP-2012) on 31st May 2012 which

PEOPLE
6 (4 HPTs and 2 LPTs) news channel transmitters addresses the Vision, Strategic direction and
and 7 VLPT regional channels in Karnataka. It the various medium term and long term issues
has covered 76.2% of the area and reached 82.4% related to telecom sector. The primary objective
of the population in the state through its DD-1 of NTP-2012 is maximizing public good by
National Channel by March 2006. It is estimated making available affordable, reliable and secure
that the DD Chandana channel is being tuned telecommunication and broadband services across

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
by 40,78,000 households during 2006 Jan-Dec. the entire country. The main thrust of the Policy
in Karnataka. As per the TAM Annual Universe is on the multiplier effect and transformational
Update - 2010, India now has over 134 million impact of such services on the overall economy. It
households (out of 223 million) with television sets, recognizes the role of such services in furthering
of which over 103 million have access to Cable TV the national development agenda while enhancing
or Satellite TV, including 20 million households equity and inclusiveness. Availability of affordable
which are DTH subscribers. In Urban India, 85% and effective communications for the citizens is at
of all households have a TV and over 70% of all the core of the vision and goal of the NTP-2012.
households have access to Satellite, Cable or DTH The Policy also recognizes the predominant role of

introduction
services. TV owning households have been growing the private sector in this field and the consequent
at between 8-10%, while growth in Satellite/Cable policy imperative of ensuring continued viability
homes exceeded 15% and DTH subscribers grew of service providers in a competitive environment.
28% over 2009. Pursuant to NTP-2012, these principles would
However, some analysts place the number of guide decisions needed to strike a balance
households with television access at closer to 180 between the interests of users/consumers, service
million since roughly a third of all rural families may providers and government revenue. The objectives
watch television at a neighboring relatives home, of the NTP-2012, inter-alia, include the following:
introduction

and argue that Cable TV households are probably 1. Provide secure, affordable and high quality
closer to 120 million owing to a certain percentage telecommunication services to all citizens.
of informal/unregistered Cable Networks that 2. Strive to create One Nation - One License across
aren’t counted by mainstream surveys). It is services and service areas.
also estimated that India now has over 823 TV
channels covering all the main languages spoken 3. Achieve One Nation - Full Mobile Number
in the nation. Portability and work towards One Nation -Free
Roaming.
387
 4. Increase rural tele-density from the current level 9. Address the Right of Way (RoW) issues in setting
of around 39 to 70 by the year 2017 and100 by up of telecom infrastructure.
the year 2020. 10. Mandate an ecosystem to ensure setting up
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

5. To recognize telecom, including broadband of a common platform for interconnection of

connectivity as a basic necessity like education various networks for providing non-exclusive
and health and work towards ‘Right to and non-discriminatory access.
Broadband’. 11. Enhanced and continued adoption of green
6. Provide affordable and reliable broadband-on- policy in telecom and incentivize use of
demand by the year 2015 and to achieve175 renewable resources for sustainability.
million broadband connections by the year 12. Achieve substantial transition to new Internet
2017 and 600 million by the year 2020 at Protocol (IPv 6) in the country in a phased and
minimum 2 Mbps download speed and making time bound manner by 2020 and encourage an
available higher speeds of at least 100 Mbps on ecosystem for provision of a significantly large
demand. bouquet of services on IP platform.
7. Provide high speed and high quality broadband As per the scheme of providing Village Public
access to all village panchayats through a Telephones (VPT) to all villages of Karnataka,
combination of technologies by the year 2014 by providing this facility to 27,449 villages, It
and progressively to all villages and habitations has covered nearly 99.88% of the villages, as
by 2020. on 31-12-2012.
8. Recognize telecom as Infrastructure Sector to
realize true potential of ICT for development

388
 State Highways Nomenclature and length as on 31-03-2013

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
Length in
[Link] SH No. Nomenclature of State Highways
State (Km)
Highway connecting Padubedri with Chickalaguda via Karkala,
Agumbe, Thirthahalli, Anandapura, Hangal, Thadasa, Kalghatagi,
1 SH-01 470
Dharwad, Uppinabetegeri, Belawadi, Bailahongala, Vannuru,
Hoskoti, Ankalagi, Basapura, Hidkal Dam and Hosur.
Highway connecting Ekkumbi with Molakalmuru via Haveri,
2 SH-02 223
Mylara, Harapanahalli and Kudulgi.
Highway connecting Hunasanahalli with Chikkahalli via
3 SH-03 Kanakapura, Ramanagara, Magadi, Solur, Sompura, Koratagere, 239
Madugiri and Pavagada

HISTORY
Highway connecting Kamalanagar with Gunalli via Halburga and
4 SH-04 68
Bidar

Highway connecting Bangarapet with Bagepalli via Kolar and

5 SH-05 106
Chintamani
Highway connecting Karwar with Ilkal via Kaiga, Yellapura,
6 SH-06 Mundugodu, Bankapura, Savanur, Gadag, Gajendragada and 324
Hanumasagara.
Highway connecting Srirangapatna with Arasikere via

PEOPLE
7 SH-07 108
Pandavapura, K.R Pet and Chennarayapatna.
Highway connecting Hirisave with Chattalli via Sravanabelagula,
Chennarayapatna, Holenarasipura, Arakalagudu, Sanivarasanthe,
8 SH-08 169
Chengadahalli, Vanaguru, Kundali, Santhalli, Thaltarshettahalli,
Thakere, Beligere, Kumburu and Suntekoppa.
Highway connecting Yelahanka with Kudumalakunte via
9 SH-09 74
Doddaballapura and Gowribidanur.

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
Highway connecting Sarasamba with Ribbonapalli via Aland,
10 SH-10 139
Gulbarga and Sedam.

Highway connecting Hulasur with Mahagao via Balakunda,

11 SH-11 63
Basavakalyana and Mudubi.

Highway connecting Bijapur with Sankeshwar via Athani and

12 SH-12 178
Chikkodi

introduction
13 SH-13 Highway connecting Devasugur with Katagodu via Raichur. 56

Highway connecting Ramdurg with Manvi via Badami, Pattadakal,

14 SH-14 Hulgund, Neeralakeri, Mudagal, Maski, Basapura, Pothanal and 235
Chikalaparvi
Highway connecting Wanamarapalli with Raichur via Aurad
15 SH-15 Santhapur, Bidar, Chincholi, Sedam, Yadagir, Hathiguduru and 308
Devdurg.
Highway connecting Sindagi with Kodangal via Sahapur, Kanapur,
16 SH-16 152
Yadagiri and Gurmitkal.
introduction

Highway connecting Bangalore with Mysore via Ramnagara,

17 SH-17 143
Chennapatna, Maddur, Mandya and Srirangapatna.

18 SH-18 Highway connecting Mudhol with Nippani via Chikkodi. 108

Highway connecting Srirangapatna with Jeevargi via

19 SH-19 Nagamangala, Hiriyur, Chellakere, Bellary, Siraguppa, Sindhanur, 592
Lingasugur, Surpur and Sahapur (including Gulbarga City limits) 389
 Length in
[Link] SH No. Nomenclature of State Highways
State (Km)
KARNATAKA

Highway connecting Raichur with Bachi via Lingasugur,

a HAND BOOK OF

20 SH-20 354
Hungund, Bagalkote, Lokapur, Yeraghatti and Belgaum.

Highway connecting Hallebidu with Anechukur via Hassan,

21 SH-21 123
Arakalgudu and Periyapatna.

22 SH-22 Highway connecting Gulbarga with Hosur via Afzalpur. 99

Highway connecting Kalmal with Shiggaon via Manvi, Sindhanur,

23 SH-23 Gangavathi, Ginigera, Koppal, Mundaragi, Laxmeshwar and 301
Gudigere.
Highway connecting Tarikere with Dharmapura via Hosadurga,
24 SH-24 136
V.V Pura and Hiriyur.

Highway connecting Hospet with Shimoga via Mariammanahalli,

25 SH-25 184
Harapanahalli, Harihara and Honnali.

Highway connecting Halageri with Hulikal via Honnali, Ayanur,

26 SH-26 188
Arasalu and Hosanagar.
Highway connecting Virajpet with Byndoor via Madikeri,
27 SH-27 Somawarpet, Shakaleshpura, Mudigere, Vastare, Jayapura, 364
Sringeri, Begar and Agumbe.
Highway connecting Supa with Annigeri via Haliyala, Dharwad
28 SH-28 115
and Hebsur.

Highway connecting Mudgal with Kudithini via Thavaregere,

29 SH-29 121
Gangavathi and Kampli.

Highway connecting Sindhanur with Hemmadaga via Kushtagi,

30 SH-30 309
Ron, Saundatti, Belawadi, Bekawadi and Khanapur.

Highway connecting Jath with Jamboti via Ananthapura, Athani,

31 SH-31 245
Gurlapura, Gokak, Nesargi, Bailahongal and Khanapura.

Highway connecting Umarga with Sulepet via Alandh, Mahagaon

32 SH-32 117
and Chincholi.

Highway connecting Koratagere with Bavali via Tumkur, Kunigal,

33 SH-33 265
Maddur, Malavalli, Mysore and [Link].
Highway connecting Aurad with Sadashivagad via Balki,
Basavakalyana, Alandh, Afzalpur, Indi, Bijapur, Jamakhandi,
34 SH-34 680
Mudhol, Lokapur, Ramdurg, Saundatti, Dharwad, Ramanagara,
Supa (Joida) and Anasi.
Highway connecting Sidlaghatta with Anekal via Hoskote and
35 SH-35 71
Kadagodi.

Highway connecting Koppal with Kyadhiguppa via Bevur and

36 SH-36 68
Kushtagi.

Highway connecting Subramanya with Udupi via Dharmsthala,

37 SH-37 131
Belthangadi and Karkala.

38 SH-38 Highway connecting Kollegal with Hasanurghat. 53

39 SH-39 Highway connecting Bangalore with Hesarghatta. 13

Highway connecting Mylara with Thoranagallu via Hadagali,

40 SH-40 157
390 Hagaribommanahalli and Kudlagi.
 Length in
[Link] SH No. Nomenclature of State Highways
State (Km)

COMMUNICATIONS
Highway connecting Shiradon with Lingasugur via Zalki,

TRANSPORT AND
41 SH-41 Indi, Devarahipparagi, Hovinahipparagi, Muddebihal and 202
Narayanapura.
Highway connecting Ankola with Joladharasi in Koppal,
42 SH-42 11
Munirabadh Town limits.

43 SH-43 Highway connecting Tikota with Kanamadagi. 24

Highway connecting Sankeshwar with Sangam via Hukeri,

44 SH-44 Ghataprabha, Arabhavi, Lokapura, Kerakalamatti, Agasanakoppa, 193
Guledhagudda, Kamathagi and Gulur.
Highway connecting Arabhavi with Challakere via Gokak,

HISTORY
45 SH-45 Naragund, Shalavadi, Sirahatti, Mandaragi, Hadagali, Itagi, Ujjani 307
and Jagalur.
Highway connecting Mundgodu with Anasi via Kalaghatagi,
46 SH-46 136
Haliyala and Dandeli,
Highway connecting Mandya with Hadagali via Melukote,
47 SH-47 Shravanabelagula, Tiptur, Huliyar, Hosadurga, Holalkere, 370
Anagodu and Harapanahalli.
Hihgway connecting Kumta with Kadamadagi via Siddapura,
48 SH-48 Soraba, Shikaripura, Honnali, Basavapatna, Chitradurga, 366

PEOPLE
Challakere and Pavagada.
Highway connecting Sandur with Siraguppa via Hosapet and
49 SH-49 108
Kampli.

Highway connecting Bhatkal with Soraba via Jog, Mavinagundi,

50 SH-50 131
Siddapura and Chandragutti .

Highway connecting Basavakalyan with Raichur via Gulbarga,

COMMUNICATION
51 SH-51 185

TRANSPORT AND
Shahabad, Ravur and Yadhgiri.

Highway connecting Thirthahalli with Kundapur via Nagara,

52 SH-52 86
Balabere, Hosanagadi and Konibasur.

Highway connecting Kagawad with Kaladhagi via Shedabal,

53 SH-53 128
Kudachi, Theradal, Jamakhandi and Katharaki.
Highway connecting Jambooti with Rabakavi via Peeranawadi,
54 SH-54 Belgam, Budhihal, Akkathangerhal, Kolavi, Mamadhapur, 128
Davaleshwar and Mahalingapura.

introduction
Highway connecting Yeraghatti with Babaleshwar via Yadawad,
55 SH-55 105
Mudhol, Manthor and Chickkagalagali.

Highway connecting Bedi with Belavanki via Kittur,

56 SH-56 108
Gobbaragumpi, Alagawadi, Navalgund and Shelawadi.
Highway connecting Bagalakote with Beligeriranganabetta
via Badami, Ron, Huyalgola, Gadag, Sirahatti, Guttal,
57 SH-57 Ranibennur, Masur, Sikaripura, Shimoga, Lakkavalli, Tharikere, 669
Chikamagalur, Belur, Hassan, Holenarasipura, K.R Nagar,
Belikere, Nanjangud and Yalandur.
introduction

58 SH-59 Highway connecting Kustagi with Pattadhakal. 51

Highway connecting Hungund with Surpur via Thalikote and

59 SH-60 122
Kembavi
Highway connecting Managuli with Bichal via Huvinahipparagi,
60 SH-61 Basavanabagewadi, Devapura, Devdurga, Siriwara, Neermanvi, 226
Bailmerchad and Rajolibanda. 391
 Length in
[Link] SH No. Nomenclature of State Highways
State (Km)
KARNATAKA

Highway connecting Haveri with Sagara via Lingapura, Chikerur,

a HAND BOOK OF

61 SH-62 107
Hirekerur and Siralakoppa
Highway connecting Raravi with Belur via Siraguppa, Desanur,
62 SH-63 Gorebal, Karatagi, Kanakagiri, Yelaburga, Sankallur, Sudi and 166
Rajur.
Highway connecting Kadur with Kannagad via Chickamagalur,
63 SH-64 189
Mudigere, Belthangadi, Bhantwal and Kalladka.
Highway connecting Malpe with Molakalmur via Udupi,
Hebri, Agumbe, Begar, Koppa, Narasimharajapura, Sulageri,
64 SH-65 329
Bhadravathi, Chennagiri, Shanthisagar, Davanagere, Jagalur,
Mustur and B.G .Kere
Highway connecting Gangamula with Kotigehara via Malleshwara,
65 SH-66 91
Kalasa and Magundi.
Highway connecting Mangalore with Athradi via Bajpe, Kattil,
66 SH-67 Belmane, Kapu and Sirava. (including Hospet Mangalore Road in 62
Mangalore City and Old N.H 48 in Mangalore City Limits)
Highway connecting Tumkur with Honnavar in Badravathi and
67 SH-68 10
Shimoga Town Limits.

68 SH-69 Highway connecting Kumta with Thadas via Sirsi and Mundagodu. 138

69 SH-70 Highway connecting Belthangadi with Mulki via Mudabedri. 58

Highway connecting Tiptur with Hassan via Dudda (additional
70 SH-71 length of 8 Km from Dairy Circle to Devarayapatna (NH-48 in 59
Hassan town limits)
Highway connecting Dairy Circle with Busthenahalli (NH-48 in
71 SH-71 E 2
Hassan town limits)

Highway connecting Nippani with Kothalagi via Nanadhi, Examba,

72 SH-72 133
Ugar, Mangasuli, Athani and Inapura
Highway connecting Mangasuli with Laxmeshwar via Ugar,
Kudachi, Raibag, Kabbur, Belladabagewadi, Ghataprabha,
Gudichinamalki, Paschapur, Akkathengarahal, Nesargi, Desanur,
73 SH-73 Suthaghatti, Matthikoppa, Sampagaon, Neginahal, Nayanagar, 268
Belawadi, Budaraghatti, Thadakoda, Mammighatti, Dharwad,
Hubli and Kundagol.(including Old NH 4 between Dharwad and
Hubli)
Highway connecting Nelamangala with Chickmangalur via
74 SH-74 69
Doddaballapur

Highway connecting Balki with Chincholi via Humnabad,

75 SH-75 78
Kabirwadi, Chitaguppa and Inapur
Highway connecting Birur Sammasagi via Ajjampura, Sivani,
76 SH-76 Channagiri, Santhebennur, Davangere, Harihara, Koda and 205
Thilavalli
Highway connecting Sirsi with Hosnagar via Soraba, Masur,
77 SH-77 119
Bettamallppa and Anandhapura
Highway connecting Shettihalli with Ichalakaranji via Dhaddi,
78 SH-78 Hatharagi, Hukkeri, Chikodi, Examba, Sadalga Highway 84
connecting Borangaon
Highway connecting Srirangapatna with Malemahadeshwarabetta
79 SH-79 via Sosale, T. Narsipura, Madapura, Kollegal, Ramapura, Kowdalli, 154
Hanur and Palar
Highway connecting Nanjangud with Biligiriranganabetta via
80 SH-80 86
392 Chamarajanagar and Kyathadevara Gudi
 Length in
[Link] SH No. Nomenclature of State Highways
State (Km)

COMMUNICATIONS
Highway connecting Yelandur with Gundlupet via Honganur,

TRANSPORT AND
81 SH-81 47
Chamarajanagar and Terakanambi

82 SH-82 Highway connecting Hoskote with Gownipalli via Chintamani 90

Highway connecting Manuli with Kotamachagi via Kadakola,

83 SH-83 120
Gudachi, Salahalli, Konnur, Sirola, Holealur, Ron and Abbigere
Highway connecting Sira with Nanjangud via Gubbi, Kallur,
84 SH-84 Yadayur, Amruthur, Mandya, Kirugaval, Hosavatti and T. 227
Narsipura
Highway connecting NH-212 with SH-84 via Varuna Hoskote

HISTORY
85 SH-84 A 17
Suththur

86 SH-84 B Highway connecting Kupparavalli on SH-84 with Suththur 4

Highway connecting Bangalore with Jalsoor via Magadi,

Huliyurdurga, Kowdle, Nagamangala,KR Pet, Saligrama,
87 SH-85 335
Ramanathapura, Somwarpet, Vanagur and Subramanya
(Saligrama Bypass length - 2.50 Km)
Highway connecting Ramanathapura with Terakanambi via

PEOPLE
88 SH-86 Bachhehalli, Kattemalalavadi, Hunsur, HD Kote, Saragur, Begur 153
and Madapatna

89 SH-87 Highway connecting Bangalore with Anekal via Bannurghatta 38

Highway connecting Mysore with Bhantwal via Hunsur,

90 SH-88 234
Periyapatna, Kushalanagar, Madikeri, Sulya and Puttur

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
Highway connecting Madakeri with Kutta via Siddapura,
91 SH-89 87
Ghattathala, Chennyanakote, Athur and Gonikoppa

Highway connecting Hunsur with Talakaveri via Virajpet, Napoklu,

92 SH-90 118
Nalkanadu and Bhagamandala

Highway connecting Konanur with Makutta via Ramanathapura,

93 SH-91 85
Kushalanagar, Siddapura and Virajpet

94 SH-92 Highway connecting Kanakapura with Sangam 30

introduction
Highway connecting Khanapura with Talaguppa via Haliyal,
95 SH-93 193
Yellapura, Sirsi and Siddapura

Highway connecting Bagepalli with Halagur via Gudibande,

96 SH-94 Thondebhavi, Mavathur, Kolala, Uradigere, Kyathasandra, 235
Neralapura, Kudur, Magadi, Ramanagar and Channapatna

Highway connecting Hoskote with Venkatagirikote via Malur,

97 SH-95 82
Tekal, Bangarpet and Budhigere
introduction

Highway connecting Devanahalli with Kempapura via Vijayapura,

98 SH-96 92
Vemgal, Kolar, Ghattakamadanahalli and KGF

Highway connecting Sankeshwar with Sadalga via Kowthalli,

99 SH-97 48
Nippani and Badakihal

Highway connecting Bhatnagoor with Boragaonwadi via

100 SH-98 43
Barawada, Mangura and Karagad 393
 Length in
[Link] SH No. Nomenclature of State Highways
State (Km)
KARNATAKA

Highway connecting Kothapalli with Masti via Gownipalli,

a HAND BOOK OF

101 SH-99 99
Rajepalli, Srinivasapura, Kolar and Tekal

Highway connecting Subramanya with Manjeshwar via Puttur,

102 SH-100 89
Parladaka and Ukkada

Highway connecting Surthakal with Kabaka via Bajpe, Gurupura,

103 SH-101 64
Bhantwal, Panemangalore and Vittal
Highway connecting Huliyar Keralapura via Jayachamarajapura,
104 SH-102 Arasikere, Haranahalli, Shanthigrama, Hariharapura and 126
Jakkanahalli of Holenarsipura
Highway connecting Gokak with Saundatti via SH-31 to
105 SH-103 Muragodu, Karimani, Sogalkshetra, Manuli, Malaprabha and 80
Goravanakolla
Highway connecting Bangalore with Nandi via Kadugondahalli,
106 SH-104 Nagavara, Thanisandra, Bellahalli, Kannur, Bagalur, 58
Arisinakunte, Devanahalli , Malligenahalli and Karahalli

107 SH-105 Highway connecting Humnabad with Bidar 45

108 SH-106 Highway connecting Horanadu with Balur Handpost via Kalasa 42

Highway connecting Jannapura with Vanagur via Huradi Hanabal

109 SH-107 56
Anemahal Skaleshpura Byakarahalli Heththur

Highway connecting Holenarsipura with K.R. Nagar via

110 SH-108 Hallimysore Saligrama Chunchanakatte Kesthur Koppalu Gate 42
Srirampura Hebbalu

Highway connecting Yarane Junction with Holenarsipura via

111 SH-109 Bikanahalli Channiganahalli Ankapura Karle Hanumanahalli 33
Paduvalahippe

Highway connecting Belur with Kodlipet via Bichodu Vatehole

112 SH-110 69
Kamathikodigi Byrapura Kundur [Link] Mgalu

Highway connecting Doddagangavadi Gate with Chowdanakuppe

113 SH-111 20
via Doddagangavadi Virupasandra Tavarekere Bandigowdanapalya

114 SH-112 Highway connecting Belur with Somvarpet 63

Highway connecting SH-8 with SH-57 via CR Patna Narsipura

115 SH-112A 22
Kodlipet

Highway connecting Uppinangadi on NH-48 with SH-37 (Bisley

116 SH-113 33
Ghat Road - MDR) via Bajaththur Alankaru Balya Kadaba

Highway connecting Gundya on NH-48 with Kalkunda on SH-37

117 SH-114 16
via Shiribagilu Kombharu Bilinele

118 SH-115 Highway connecting Ku;dligere with Kammaraghattta 36

Highway connecting Tumkur Honnavar road (SH-68) with Birur

119 SH-116 34
Sammasagi road (SH-76) via Bhadravathi Shivani road

Highway connecting Ilavala with K.R Nagar via Hoskote,

120 SH-117 22
394 Sagarakatte, Molepette, Lalam Devnahalli
 Length in
[Link] SH No. Nomenclature of State Highways
State (Km)

COMMUNICATIONS
TRANSPORT AND
121 SH-118 Highway connecting Guruvayanakere via Upinahangadi 20

Highway connecting Ilavala, Sagarakatte, K.R. Nagar with

122 SH-119 7
Narayanapura Kegere via B.B Road

123 SH-120 Highway connecting Hampapura, Saligrama road 17

Highway connecting B.T road with Kodihalli via Kyatnahalli,

124 SH-121 17
Hardanahalli, Shigaranahalli, Hariharapura, Duda Kunchevu road
Highway connecting Maharastra Border with Murki, Aurad,
125 SH-122 183
Handarki (SH-15) via Bidar, Chincholi, Sedem

HISTORY
Highway connecting Andra Pradesh border with Jamaji, Hulsur
126 SH-123 70
(Connecting SH-11) via Sandpur, Sangama
Highway connecting with Barked, Bilagi (Connecting SH-55) via
Kachari, Padsavalgi, Afzalpur, Gatarga, Devarnavadaga, Sindagi,
127 SH-124 294
Byakodu, Tilagola, Talikote, Minajage, Davalgi, Rodgi, Basavna
Bagevadi, Telgi, Kolar, Bilagi
Highway Connecting Firozabad cross (NH-218) with Kamalapura
128 SH-125 State Highway connecting via Shabad, Bankur, Peta Shirur, 105
Mudbala, Kudli, Rumanagada, Chengata
Highway Connecting Andra Pradesh border with Putpak, Bosaga

PEOPLE
129 SH-126 SH via Guru vitkal, Handarki, Satnur, Chitapura, Tengli, Hebbal, 164
Arankal, Varnal, Mudbe
Highway Connecting SH 10 with Mudhol, Yalagera upto Andra
Pradesh border via Madana, Itkala, Gunjanur, Anpur, Madavara,
130 SH-127 Saidapur, Mangal, Sangvara, Joladadgi, Gugal, Herekudlagi, 175
Savantgera, Gabbur, Siravara, Atanur, Machanur, Kuradi, Aroli,
Matavari, Uprala, Gunjali, Malapura
Highway Connecting SH-61 with Devdurga, Amarapura, Bagvathi,

COMMUNICATION
TRANSPORT AND
Hirekondakal, Ayanur, Belllary, via Mundargi, Galgi, Chincharki,
131 SH-128 Budani, Hirehanagi, Hire Kondakal, Adavi Amareshwara, Hosur, 231
Valabellary, Ibrahampur, Kundroli, Kuruvali, Raravi, Darur,
Talur, Ropanagudi, Chilagurki
Highway Connecting Chickhosur, Mudgal, Mundargi, via Banigal,
Ramatnal, Mudanur, Kustagi, Sankapur, Kansagar, Tumbargude,
132 SH-129 167
Yalaburgi, Sungada, Kukanur, Banapur, Halgera, Hire Sindagi,
Katarki, Mantur, Keslapura, Hosruru
Highway Connecting Yalburga, Kanakagiri, Gangavati, Munerabad
via Vajrabande, Hirevenkalkunte, Talkere, Gundala, Basrehal,
133 SH-130 123

introduction
Gonal, Honnaval, Hosakere, Hosalii, Hanumanahalli, Singapura
(Conneting NH-13)
Highway Connecting Hampi, Kamalapura, Hagarebomnahalli
via Papnayakanahalli, Joga, Tolur, Lingadahalli, Rajapura,
134 SH-131 208
Bilgatte, Chick Joganahalli, MB Aaikanahalli, Banavikal, Kottur,
Dopadahalli, Benal kal
Highway Connecting Kampli, Kuru godu, Kudtenni, Bellary, Moka,
135 SH-132 100
Alur
Highway Connecting Soreban, Chitargi, Kodalsangama
introduction

(Connecting SH-60) via Karlekoppa, Gomanakoppa, Chola

136 SH-133 109
Chaugadda, Hirenasbi, Katapura, Ihole, Amungad, Chitargi,
Dhanur
Highway Connecting Badami, Godaji, Gokak falls via Karur,
137 SH-134 Batkurki, Chandargi, Hirekoppa, K.S Bagachikoppa, Malikere, 120
Munikere, Kaujalagi, Gokak
Highway Connecting Banashankari, Mahakota, Almatti Dam via
138 SH-135 Nandikeshwara, Guledagudda, Shirur, Benekatte, Bhagvathi, 71
Rampura 395
 Length in
[Link] SH No. Nomenclature of State Highways
State (Km)
State Highway Connecting Gajendragad, Sorab via Dindur,
KARNATAKA
a HAND BOOK OF

Nagendragad, Mushagere, Honegannur, Holemannur, Malvada,

Belavneke, Lingadal, Hombala, Hulakotte, Kuntakotte, Anthur,
139 SH-136 Bemtur, Nelaguda, Mulagunda, Basapura, Shirahatti, Kadakole, 286
Muradi, Bagewadi, Bidaralli, Ballehosur, Kittur, Horiti, Kanvalli,
Mottebennur, Byadgi, Hamsabavi, Chickerur, Yalageri, Thogarsi,
Udri
Highway Connecting Navalgunda, Banavasi, Mugavalli via
Annegeri, Bandivadi, Kundagol, Hachinal, Kobihal, Hulgur,
140 SH-137 141
Karadgi, Savnur, Bankapur, Masanakatte, Koprasikoppa,
Bhadrapura, Mulagi, Basi
Highway Connecting Nagaragali, Kattekol via Nandiga Parishchad,
141 SH-138 113
MK Hubli, Tigadi, Inchala, Murugodu

142 SH-139 Highway Connecting Yargatti, Mudhol via Kattekol, Turnur, Budne 78

Highway Connecting Alanvar, Betigere via Hindasagere, Jodgere,

143 SH-140 85
Kuluvalli, Kittur, Sangoli, Hulki, Akkasagara
Highway Connecting Maharastra border with Rakasakoppa,
144 SH-141 Sutugatte (NH-4) via Belagundi, Kalaholu, Solaga, Hindalga, 46
Handiganur
Highway Connecting Kumta, Kurlekoppa via Aminahalli,
145 SH-142 50
Nilakunda, Kol, Sirsi

Highway Connecting Gokarna, Vadi, Devnalli via Sanikatta,

146 SH-143 82
Heluru, Chinagara

Highway Connecting Honavar, Munase via Salikod, Dodmane,

147 SH-144 60
Vandana

Highway Connecting Songemane, Unchalli falls via

148 SH-145 72
Gidamavanakatte, Kansur, Ballekoppa

Highway Connecting Ulavi, Diga to Goa border via Kumbaravada,

149 SH-146 63
Kiruvati

Highway Connecting Chennarayapatna with Nugehalli road (link

150 SH-147 17
road NH-48 joining to SH-47)
Highway Connecting Kuppali, Kavishaila, Gadikalu, Katehaklu
151 SH-148 , Hedduru, Mahrshi, Bejavalli, Ayanur, Sudur, Chordi, Gama, 143
Chinchinkoppa, Malenahalli via Hirekerur joining road.
Highway Connecting Shapura to Shivrampura to AP border SH via
152 SH-149 Vadi, Shabad, Gulbarga, Hebal, Kalagi, Mangalgi, Nidagunda via 176
Konchavaram
Highway Connecting Davangere, Holalu SH via Kanchikere-
153 SH-150 71
Bendekere

Highway Connecting Itagi-Kanchikere SH via Kenchamanahalli-

154 SH-151 45
Maidur-Chegatikere-Nazirnagar-Arasikere

Highway Connecting NH-206 Kadur-Maravanje-Belgur via

155 SH-152 51
Srirampura joining SH

Highway Connecting NH-206 Kadur-Hirenallur-Ajjampura-

156 SH-153 43
yaraganahalli via NH-13 joining Hollalkere nearby passing SH

Highway Connecting Madras-Cannanore road (Paschima vahini-

157 17.5
Ilavala)
396
l l l l