Hassan, August 16 — Torrential rains in the Malnad region have triggered a massive landslide on National Highway 75 near Maranahalli, causing a complete blockade of the Shiradi Ghat stretch and leaving thousands of vehicles stranded.
The landslide, which occurred following days of relentless rainfall, dumped large volumes of soil, uprooted trees, and debris across the highway. Authorities described the resulting traffic jam as one of the worst in recent memory, with commuters stuck for hours in remote terrain.
Local police swiftly responded by erecting barricades near the affected zone and rerouting traffic via Charmadi Ghat and other alternative roads. However, continued rainfall has hampered clearance operations, and officials caution that it may take several days before normal traffic flow resumes.
The impact of the downpour wasn’t limited to roadways. Landslips have disrupted train services on the South Western Railway, with derailments and track damage reported at Shiribagilu, Edakumeri, Kadagaravalli, and Donigal. Rail authorities are working to restore connectivity, but travel delays are expected to persist.
With both road and rail routes affected, officials urge travelers to postpone non-essential journeys and stay updated through official advisories. Families caught in the disruption have reported distress, and emergency services are on standby to assist.
