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The Bengaluru-Mangaluru National Highway 75 has once again been severely impacted by fresh landslides, disrupting road connectivity between the coastal region and Bengaluru. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at Doddathappale village in Sakleshpur taluk, trapping two container trucks and a tanker truck in the debris. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. This latest setback comes just hours after authorities had cleared debris from a previous landslide on Tuesday, allowing for temporary vehicular movement. Despite the receding rains in the coastal belt, frequent landslides along NH 75, which is currently undergoing widening to four lanes by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), have made the connectivity between the coast and Bengaluru highly unreliable. This unpredictable nature of the landslips poses a significant risk for road users, as they are allowed to travel on the highway without prior warning of potential hazards.
The disruption to road connectivity further exacerbates the already strained transportation situation in the region. Since July 26, rail connectivity has also been severed due to landslips affecting the track between Yadakumari and Kadagaravalli stations on the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road stretch of the Hassan-Mangaluru Railway line. The South Western Railway has initiated a massive restoration project, but train operations, including passenger and freight services, remain suspended indefinitely. The other two alternative routes, Charmadi Ghat on Mangaluru-Tumakuru NH 73 and Sampaje Ghat on Mani-Mysuru NH 275, are also susceptible to landslides and pose their own challenges. While both routes were temporarily closed on Tuesday due to tree fall and a landslide respectively, vehicular movement was subsequently allowed, albeit with restrictions for heavy vehicles on Charmadi Ghat.
The ongoing landslides on NH 75 underscore the critical need for robust infrastructure and preventative measures to mitigate the risks posed by monsoon-related hazards. The NHAI, responsible for the road widening project, needs to prioritize the stabilization of slopes and ensure the safety of road users. Additionally, effective communication and timely alerts regarding road closures and potential landslides are crucial to minimize disruptions and safeguard the well-being of travelers. The impact of these landslides extends beyond the inconvenience of traffic delays, affecting businesses, the movement of essential goods, and the overall socio-economic activities of the region. Swift action is required to restore connectivity, ensure safety, and minimize the economic and logistical consequences of these natural disasters.