Mysuru: Hundreds of commuters travelling between Mysuru and Gonikoppal were left stranded for more than nine hours after an overloaded truck and subsequent breakdowns brought traffic to a standstill on the Karnataka-Kerala Inter-State Highway near Anechowkur Gate.
The crucial route connecting Mysuru with Kerala through Kodagu was blocked from around 10.30 pm to 7.30 am, with vehicles reportedly queued up for nearly three to four kilometres on both sides of the narrow forest stretch inside the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.
Overloaded truck blocks highway
The disruption began after police intercepted a truck travelling from Mysuru towards Kerala carrying paving stones for resorts and house construction. During inspection, the truck was found to have exceeded the prescribed 17-tonne weight limit.
Police directed the driver to return towards Mysuru. However, while attempting to make a U-turn on a narrow incline about two kilometres beyond the Anechowkur check post, the heavily loaded truck became stuck.
Its rear wheels slipped into a roadside ditch while reversing, leaving the vehicle positioned across the road.
Three trucks become stuck
The situation worsened when another goods vehicle attempted to pass the stranded truck but became stuck in slush. Rain had left the roadside muddy, making it difficult for heavy vehicles to gain traction.
Traffic movement was briefly restored between around 11.30 pm and 2.30 am after efforts to clear the second vehicle. However, a third lorry became stuck around 3.30 am to 4 am, bringing the route to a complete standstill once again.
Several motorists turned back or took alternative routes, while truck drivers and other commuters were forced to remain stranded inside the forest during the night.
Crane used to clear obstruction
Police, Forest officials and members of the public joined efforts to restore traffic. A portion of the stone load from the stranded truck was unloaded to reduce its weight before a heavy-duty crane was brought in to move the vehicle.
The obstruction was finally cleared and traffic resumed around 7.30 am.
During the disruption, commuters were advised to avoid the affected stretch, with vehicles diverted through Maldare and Periyapatna.
The incident has highlighted the difficulties faced by motorists on the narrow forest road, particularly when heavy vehicles become immobilised along the crucial Mysuru-Kerala route.