The Story of the Roads of Coorg

Before the British annexation of Coorg, there were no proper roads in the region – only footpaths. These paths through south connected Kerala via Heggale village, and South Canara via Sullia, serving both traders visiting Coorg and Kodavas transporting rice towards Mangalore, Mysore and Kerala. Bullock carts were used to carry heavy goods along these trails.

This practice was part of a deliberate military strategy by the Kodavas, who sought to keep Coorg free from permanent roads and bridges to prevent easy access for invading armies. Whenever Hyder Ali or Tipu Sultan attempted to build bridges, forts, or blockhouses, the Kodavas would destroy them at the earliest opportunity.

Under The British Government:

After the annexation of Coorg, the first proper road was built by General Fraser after the construction of the Kushalnagar Bridge, which was 32 km long. Stone for both the bridge and the road came from the ruins of the Kushalnagar fort, built by Tipu Sultan to monitor the Kodavas but later destroyed by Kodavas in 1799, and left in ruins.

In 1837, following the Amara Sullia Rebellion, the British constructed a road connecting Coorg to Mangalore via Sullia. This was done to secure the route between South Canara and Mysore and prevent further uprisings. To cover its cost, the British increased the salt tax in South Canara – a bitter reminder, as this very tax had been one of the causes of the 1837 rebellion.

In 1849, a road connecting Coorg to Kerala was completed. British stationed Engineers and the Army Sappers and Miners in Coorg for the same.

By 1870, the British built highways across Kodagu, running north-south and east-west, all converging at Madikeri. The road network grew from 152 kms in 1865 to 241 kms by 1878. Between 1878 and 1898, a bridge across the Kaveri near Siddapur enabled the construction of a 86 km road, a major Colonial engineering feat in the region.

Under the Coorg State Government:

By 1935, due to Coorg State and District Board efforts, the network included 407 kms of metalled roads, 212 kms of gravel roads, and 117 kms of Local Fund roads. Asphalting began in 1929, with sections laid between Madikeri and Kushalnagar, Madikeri and Siddapur, and Madikeri and Mangalore. Before Coorg lost its statehood in 1956, it had 10 main roads Madikeri with other regions. Which are still in existence and being widely used.

These roads are:

1) Madikeri to Mangalore via Sullia, 2) Madikeri to Kerala via Mukutta, 3) Madikeri to Kerala via Kutta, 4) Madikeri to Hunsur via Kushalnagar, 5) Madikeri to Hunsur via Gaddige, 6) Madikeri to Hunsur via Anechaukur, 7) Madikeri to Konanur via Sirangala, 8) Madikeri to Arkalgud via Shanivarasanthe, 9) Madikeri to Sakleshpur via Shanivarasanthe and 10) Madikeri to Hassan via Kodlipet.

BUILT FOR TRAFFIC DENSITY:

All the above data is sourced from historical British records and the Kodagu District Gazetteer, published by the Government of Karnataka. It is worth noting that these roads were originally built to accommodate the traffic densities of their time.

The last publicly available data on traffic in Kodagu is from 1987–88, when a measly 2,749 vehicles passed through its highways on a single day (24 hours). In the Gazetteer of 1990, Kamath emphasized the need to upgrade and improve the quality and durability of these roads.

Regrettably, little has been done since then. Today, after every monsoon, the condition of many roads in Kodagu goes from bad to worse. The traffic crisscrossing the district is not limited to local commuters and travelers to Mangalore or Kerala, but includes a significant volume of tourist traffic. Today lakhs of vehicles enter or pass through Coorg. Lakhs of tourists, enter Coorg stay in resorts, hotels and homestays and then visit the tourists spots in Coorg, travelling on these same roads. This increased load puts immense pressure on the infrastructure and the fragile environment of Coorg.

It is high time that the roads be upgraded to a higher standard, and tourist traffic in Kodagu be regulated through an E‑PASS system.

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TIME TO REGULATE – IT CAN BE DONE. And Technology Exsitst.

While the Deputy Director of Tourism, Kodagu, Anita Bhaskar, has stated that an E‑PASS may not be feasible due to the district’s multiple entry points, this challenge can be overcome.

With strong administrative and political will, an effective E‑PASS system can be implemented. Here’s how it can be applied:

1. Destination Declaration at Entry Points

Have a digital or physical checkpoint (or mobile app) where drivers select one of two options:

•  Through‑passage: Just passing through (no e‑pass required, but limited stopping  privileges).
•  Tourist visiting the district: Requires an e‑pass.

Through‑passage traffic can be registered quickly with:

• Vehicle number
• Entry point
• Intended exit point
• Estimated transit time

This creates a digital trail making it easy to spot if a “pass‑through” visitor deviates from the stated route.

2. Time‑Bound Regulations for Through‑Traffic

Assign a validity window for through‑passage vehicles. For example:

• Must exit within 3–4 hours.
• If still in the area beyond that window, assume it’s tourist activity and enforce penalties. More revenue for the Government coffers.

3. Automated Monitoring

Use ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology) cameras at entry and exit points. ANPR is the same technology used by Karantaka Govt to monitor, catch and fine errant commuters in cities and highways.

• Cross‑check entry and exit times.
• Identify vehicles that remain within the area longer than the grace period.
• Issue fines automatically if violated.

4. Physical and Mobile Checkpoints

Have random mobile enforcement units verifying that vehicles marked as through‑passage have not stopped at tourist spots. This is what all the state governments do to check if anyone has entered their state without taking a state permit.

5. Clear Signage and Awareness

At every entry point:

• Signage indicating the requirement for an e‑pass for tourists.
• Clear instructions and penalties for misuse.

6. Incentivize Compliance

Make it easy for genuine visitors:

• Simple online e‑pass process.
• Clear benefits (faster entry).

Make it undesirable for through‑passage traffic to misuse:

• Fines for overstaying.
• Blacklisting vehicles for future trips.

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Distinction is achieved by capturing intent and behavior:

• Intent: Declared at entry (through‑passage vs. tourist).
• Behavior: Verified by automated monitoring and spot checks.

With a combination of technology (ANPR), well‑placed checkpoints, enforcement, and user education, the e‑pass system can effectively apply only to tourists, while allowing genuine through‑commuters to pass seamlessly.

Local Residents of Coorg, should not get worried. For them should be a:

Local Resident Registration System

• Issue a Local Resident ID / Registration Number (digital or physical).
• Residents register their vehicles and mobile numbers once, with their Aadhar Card or Rent Agreement of any other proof that shows that they are residents of Coorg.
• At entry/exit points, ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) or mobile app (if they are travelling in a hired vehicle) quickly identifies registered locals and allows seamless entry.

Although it may not be entirely foolproof – especially since it is impractical to screen KSRTC buses and restrict tourists traveling to Coorg on public transport – it is a fact that the majority of tourist arrivals occur in private vehicles. This segment can be effectively regulated with relative ease.

The State Government which is always looking for a new source of income through fines and penalties, can also benefit from this system. (Will remove this later.)

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