Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru / Sakleshpura

Mangaluru / Sakleshpura, Aug 16: Continuous heavy rainfall in the Malnad region has caused severe landslips at several locations including Shiribagilu, Edakumeri, Kadagaravalli, Donigal, and along the Shiradi Ghat section of National Highway 75. These incidents have resulted in significant disruptions to both railway services and road traffic, leaving commuters stranded and causing widespread delays.

Around 4:40 pm on Saturday, multiple earth slips were reported between the Shrivagilu-Yedakumeri, Yedakumeri-Kadagaravalli, and Kadagaravalli-Donigal sections of the South Western Railway, prompting immediate action.

Several trains passing through these areas were diverted via alternate longer routes to ensure passenger safety.

The Mangaluru Central–Vijayapura Special Express (Train No. 07378) was rerouted through Tokur, Karwar, Madgaon, Londa, and Hubballi, bypassing stations such as Bantawala, Kabakaputtur, Subrahmanya Road, Sakleshpura, Hassan, and others.

Likewise, the Murudeshwar–SMVT Bengaluru Express (No. 16586), Kannur–KSR Bengaluru Express (No. 16512), and Karwar–KSR Bengaluru Express (No. 16596) were diverted via Kasaragod, Shoranur, Palakkad, Salem, and Jolarpettai, skipping numerous usual stops.

South Western Railway authorities have dispatched a material train to Sakleshpura for restoration works, which are underway under the close supervision of general manager Mukul Saran Mathur and additional general manager K S Jain.

In addition to railway disruptions, heavy rains caused a massive landslip near Maranahalli on the Shiradi Ghat stretch of National Highway 75, resulting in a complete shutdown of vehicular traffic.

Police have set up barricades and advised drivers to use alternative routes. The landslip swept soil and trees onto the road, leading to extensive traffic jams and leaving thousands of vehicles stranded.

The blockage has caused severe inconvenience, especially over the weekend when vehicle movement is at its peak. Police and local authorities are making continuous efforts to clear the debris and restore normalcy.

The combination of landslips affecting critical rail and road arteries underscores the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure during the monsoon season.

Authorities urge commuters to remain patient and follow alternate routes while monitoring conditions closely to ensure rapid response and safety.