Landslide hits Mangaluru-Bengaluru highway, vehicles stranded

MANGALURU: A landslide recurred at Mannagundi of Koukradi in Kokkada village, Kadaba Taluk, on National Highway 75 between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, causing a complete halt to vehicle traffic on Monday. The incident took place at around 4 am when soil fell onto the highway, completely blocking it. Authorities rushed to begin clearance operations. Vehicles on the national highway are currently using alternative routes. Meanwhile, hundreds of vehicles, including buses between Bengaluru and Mangaluru, on both sides of the national highway are stranded as the road is disconnected. Police from Nelyadi and officials have visited the site.It may be recalled that a landslide here caused a three-hour highway closure ten days ago. Since the start of the rainy season, there have been several instances of landslides causing disruptions. The public and travellers are expressing frustration over the authorities' negligence, as landslides have repeatedly occurred without any permanent measures being taken.