Farmers Protest at Karnataka Toll Plaza Disrupts NH-48 Traffic, Maharashtra Police Issue Route Advisory

Farmers protest at Karnataka’s Kognoli toll plaza has disrupted traffic on National Highway 48 (NH-48) towards Belagavi and Bengaluru, prompting Maharashtra Highway Police to advise motorists to use alternative routes to avoid congestion and delays.

The protest began on Tuesday morning over demands related to sugarcane and ethanol prices. The agitation was reportedly expected to end soon, but it was still underway on Wednesday, and authorities had no clarity on when it would be called off. Police have warned that traffic conditions could take time to return to normal.

Maharashtra Police Advise Motorists to Avoid Affected Route

The Maharashtra Highway Police have urged motorists, particularly those travelling long distances, to plan their journeys carefully and avoid travelling towards Karnataka via NH-48 through Kolhapur, Satara and Pune unless necessary.

Special Inspector General of Police (Kolhapur Range) Ranjan Kumar Sharma said the disruption could continue for some time. He reportedly advised commuters to use alternative routes to reach their destinations and said police would issue an update once the situation improved.

The disruption is affecting interstate traffic moving from Maharashtra towards Belagavi and Bengaluru. NH-48 is a major highway connecting several cities, and the protest has made it necessary for motorists to consider other routes before starting their journeys.

Separate Routes Recommended for Cars and Heavy Vehicles

Police have suggested different alternative routes for passenger vehicles and goods carriers to help manage traffic and reduce delays.

• For passenger vehicles: Cars, jeeps, private vehicles and buses should take the Satara–Rahimatpur–Pusesavalii–Vita–Tasgaon–Miraj–Kagawad–Raybag–Gokak–Belagavi route.
• For goods and heavy vehicles: Trucks, container vehicles and trailers should use the Satara–Karad–Peth Naka–Islampur–Ashta–Miraj–Kagwad–Raybag–Gokak–Belagavi route.

Motorists have been advised to check their travel plans before departing and follow the recommended routes to avoid getting caught in congestion near the affected stretch.

Traffic Within Maharashtra Remains Smooth

Shivaji Pawar, Superintendent of the Highway Safety Patrol in Pune, reportedly said there was currently no obstruction to traffic within Maharashtra’s jurisdiction. Vehicles were continuing to move smoothly within the state, he added.

However, Pawar warned that the impact of the farmers agitation on interstate traffic along NH-48 must be considered while planning journeys towards Karnataka. Even if traffic is moving normally within Maharashtra, commuters may face delays when approaching the affected area.

Google Maps Asked to Show Traffic Restrictions

To help motorists avoid the disrupted stretch, police have requested Google Maps to mark the affected section as blocked because of the protest. The authorities have also asked the navigation service to display traffic delays and suggest alternative routes until the agitation ends.

The duration of the disruption remains uncertain, as the protest was still underway on Wednesday. Commuters travelling from Maharashtra towards Belagavi and Bengaluru have therefore been advised to plan ahead and use the alternative routes recommended for their vehicles.