Vehicular traffic was prohibited through Shiradi Ghat since July 22 after a landslip at Donigal. Later, vehicles up to 20 tonne gross weight were allowed to operate since August 16. The NHAI, which undertook restoration work, recommended to the Hassan district administration on August 19 to allow movement of very heavy vehicles through the stretch during daytime in a single file. However, all the traffic had to move in a single file on the affected stretch. All types of vehicles will be allowed during daytime, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m, said Hassan Deputy Commissioner R. Girish in his order. The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry had urged the Union Road Transport Ministry to immediately restore the affected stretch so that trade and commerce activities in the region were not affected. After heavy vehicles were allowed through the stretch from August 16, drivers of hundreds of very heavy vehicles, both from Mangalore and Hassan directions, made attempts to enter the Shiradi Ghat but were prevented by the police. Consequently, they lined up at Gundya in Dakshina Kannada and Maranahalli in Hassan districts.