Honnavar NH66 landslide disrupts traffic after heavy rains, authorities impose one-way movement and begin urgent clearance operations
Honnavar
Heavy rainfall along the coastal belt of Uttara Kannada district triggered a landslide on National Highway 66 at Ramteertha in Honnavar taluk, leading to disruption of traffic movement and emergency response operationst. The incident occurred amid continuous downpour that has been affecting the entire coastal region for the past several days.
Officials said a portion of the hillside suddenly gave way and debris slid onto the highway. Fortunately, no vehicles were passing through the stretch at the time of the collapse, averting what could have been a major accident on the busy coastal route connecting Honnavar with Mangaluru.
Immediately after the incident, traffic on the affected stretch was restricted and only one-way movement was allowed as a precautionary measure. Personnel from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and IRB infrastructure teams were deployed to the site to clear mud and rocks from the roadway and restore partial traffic flow.
Authorities noted that the continuous rainfall has significantly weakened the soil structure along the slopes adjoining NH66. Cracks have been observed on the upper portion of the hill, raising concerns about the possibility of further landslides if heavy rain persists. As a result, officials have intensified monitoring of vulnerable stretches along the highway.
Motorists passing through the region have been advised to exercise extreme caution, adhere to traffic instructions, and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain conditions. Emergency response teams remain on standby to respond quickly in case of additional slope failures or road blockages.
Officials further stated that restoration work will continue until the debris is fully cleared and the road is declared safe for two-way traffic movement. The highway remains a critical coastal transport corridor, and authorities are prioritising safety and stability before restoring normal traffic operations.
