Mangaluru: Vehicular traffic between Mangaluru and Bengaluru came to a standstill on Monday after a landslide occurred at Mannagundi of Koukradi in Kokkada village, Kadaba Taluk, along National Highway 75. The incident, which took place around 4 am, has once again exposed the vulnerability of this stretch to recurring landslides during the monsoon season.
Early morning landslide halts movement
According to initial reports, a significant amount of soil and debris slid onto the highway, completely blocking movement on both sides. Authorities, including police personnel from Nelyadi and local officials, rushed to the site to initiate clearance operations. However, the disruption has left hundreds of vehicles, including passenger buses, stranded for several hours.
Traffic has been diverted to alternative routes, but congestion remains high due to the large volume of vehicles on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru corridor.
Recurring problem raises concerns
This is the second landslide in the same area within ten days. The previous incident had caused a three-hour closure of NH 75, and several smaller landslides have been reported since the start of the rainy season. Local commuters and transporters have expressed growing frustration over what they describe as the authorities’ failure to implement lasting preventive measures.
Travellers have pointed out that temporary clearance operations do little to address the underlying problem, leaving the highway vulnerable to repeated closures during heavy rains.
Authorities promise swift action
Officials have assured that clearance work will be completed at the earliest to restore normal traffic flow. “Earthmovers and workers have been deployed to remove debris. We are monitoring the site to prevent further incidents,” a highway maintenance official said.
Experts have suggested that preventive measures such as slope reinforcement, retaining walls, and improved drainage systems are essential to ensure long-term safety on this crucial stretch.
Conclusion
With NH 75 serving as a key link between coastal Karnataka and the state capital, disruptions caused by recurring landslides have sparked urgent calls for more durable infrastructure solutions. Until permanent measures are taken, travellers along this route may continue to face frequent delays during the monsoon season.