Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 15: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) swiftly mobilised its team and began clearing operations after a landslide disrupted traffic along National Highway 169 near Thiruvail village close to Vamanjoor on June 14.
Triggered by heavy rains in Dakshina Kannada district, the landslide caused soil and debris to slide onto the right-hand side of the highway, partially blocking the route and forcing vehicles from both directions to share a single lane. The affected stretch falls near Kettikal on the outskirts of Mangaluru, a location that has witnessed repeated soil slips in recent weeks.
According to a press note issued by NHAI, emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the site to remove the accumulated soil. “Proper safety measures and traffic diversions have been implemented to ensure the smooth movement of traffic,” the release stated. Officials confirmed that no major structural damage was reported, and the situation was brought under control due to the prompt response.
The landslide occurred on a recently constructed section of NH-169, which connects Mangaluru with Moodbidri and Karkala. Frequent soil movement on the Kettikal hillside has made the stretch increasingly precarious, with Saturday’s incident further highlighting infrastructure and safety concerns.
Commuters navigating the area have expressed anxiety over continuing instability, with some opting to avoid the route altogether. Local residents and motorists have urged authorities to take long-term preventive measures to secure the hillside and maintain highway safety through the monsoon.