Traffic on the Mumbai–Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48) was disrupted on Wednesday, October 14, following a farmers’ protest near the Maharashtra–Karnataka border. Police advised motorists to avoid the affected stretch and requested Google Maps to display a road closure alert to prevent further congestion.
The agitation is taking place near the Kognoli toll plaza in Karnataka, where farmers have been protesting since Tuesday morning over sugarcane prices, ethanol rates and other demands. The demonstration has affected vehicles travelling from Kolhapur and other parts of Maharashtra towards Belagavi and Bengaluru.
Inspector General of Police for the Kolhapur Range, Ranjan Kumar Sharma, urged commuters to take alternative routes until the situation improves. According to the office of Pune Range Superintendent of Police Dr Shivaji Pawar, traffic conditions remained unchanged on Wednesday morning.
Police have formally approached Google Maps authorities, requesting the platform to identify the affected portion of NH-48 as closed, issue alerts about congestion and delays, and stop directing motorists through the disrupted stretch. The platform has also been asked to recommend alternative routes until the protest concludes.
Sharma said the request was made to protect long-distance passengers and heavy goods vehicles using the highway. Authorities will notify Google Maps when traffic returns to normal, allowing closure advisories to be withdrawn.
Two alternative routes have been identified for travellers. The first passes through Satara, Rahimatpur, Vita, Tasgaon, Miraj, Gokak and Belagavi. The second route runs through Satara, Karad, Islampur, Ashta, Miraj, Kagwad, Gokak and Belagavi.
Police and local personnel have been deployed along these diversion routes to assist motorists and manage traffic movement. Sharma urged people to avoid travelling on NH-48 unless necessary and advised those who must undertake their journeys to follow the designated alternatives.
Officials cautioned that congestion could persist until the farmers’ agitation ends and normal vehicle movement resumes. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and remain alert to traffic updates.
Source: Hindustan Times
