Temple rush chokes Huligi as level crossing gate sparks jams

Pic: Delayed construction of ROB at Munirabad (Huligi) station is creating traffic problems in the villageKoppal: Huligemma Devi Temple in Huligi village of Koppal district, one of the most popular shrines in north Karnataka, draws 4-6 lakh devotees during monthly occasions such as full moon days (Hunnime).Thousands also visit the temple every Tuesday and Friday, considered auspicious days, with hundreds of vehicles converging on the village. The level crossing gate (LCG) near the temple has become a major bottleneck, triggering frequent traffic jams in and around Huligi.According to South Western Railway (SWR) plans, LCG No. 79 was to be closed in the 2025–26 financial year. "A ROB was commissioned from Jan 2024 in lieu of LCG No. 72. Closure of LCG 79 is one among 30 LCGs under SWR, where work is in progress," sources said.Pampapati Rati, president of the Jan Shakti Horata Samiti, Huligi, told TOI that whenever the gate is closed for five to eight minutes, over 1,000 vehicles line up on both sides on Tuesdays and Fridays. "On full moon days, traffic piles up for kilometres. We discussed it at a recent meeting of temple devotees, where MP Rajashekhar Hitnal was present, and he said he will ensure completion of the ROB in a month," he said.Rati also said the ROB alone would not solve the problem. "Its dropping point is unscientific. From there, the state govt has to take up widening of roads," he said.Munirabad railway station, adjacent to Huligi village, is experiencing a heavy rush of passengers visiting the temple and is also one of the maize loading stations within SWR limits. However, the station lacks proper maintenance. "There is no maintenance of the garden, no toilets, no lift facility or escalator, and the drinking water facility is defunct," Rati added.Ningaraj Kataraki, a businessman in Huligi, said the delay in completing the ROB is affecting children's education in the village. "Trains pass here almost every hour or half hour. If the gate is closed for 8 to 10 minutes, it takes a minimum of half an hour to clear the traffic. By then, the gate is closed again for another train," he said. "Many buses carrying students and school buses get stuck daily. It is difficult to reach schools and colleges, especially on Tuesdays and Fridays. Many students are facing long delays before their exams. SWR should expedite the construction of the ROB," he demanded.SP Praveen, public relations officer, Hubballi division, SWR, was unavailable for comment.