Kendujhar: A landslide triggered by heavy rain disrupted vehicular movement on NH-520 at Barabanka Ghat under Rugudi police station in Kendujhar district on Monday, with nearly half of one side of the carriageway blocked by debris.
The landslide occurred after a portion of the hillside gave way following heavy rainfall, affecting the movement of vehicles along the busy highway stretch.
Police personnel and officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) reached the spot and began clearance operations on Sunday night. Traffic was being regulated as efforts were underway to remove the debris and restore normal movement.
The disruption affected the movement of iron-laden trucks and passenger buses travelling between Badabil and Raurkela in neighbouring Sundaragada district. The transportation of stone from mines in Koida and Badabil was also affected, besides passenger traffic.
Kendujhar police issued a traffic advisory urging commuters to exercise caution while passing through the affected stretch.
“Due to heavy rainfall, a landslide has occurred at Barabanka under Rugudi PS, partially blocking one side of the highway. Traffic is moving slowly in a single line. Citizens travelling from Barbil towards Rajamunda are requested to take necessary precautions and drive carefully,” Kendujhar police said in a post on X.
The affected stretch of NH-520 is an important road link connecting different parts of Kendujhar district and witnesses regular movement of passenger and goods vehicles.
