Heavy Rains Trigger Landslips, Disrupt Rail and Road Traffic in Shiradi Ghat stretch

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 17, 2025: Continuous heavy rainfall in the Malnad region has triggered major landslips at Shiribagilu, Edakumeri, Kadagaravalli, Donigal, and along the Shiradi Ghat stretch of National Highway-75, severely affecting both rail and road connectivity.

Multiple earth slips were reported around 4:40 pm on Saturday between the Shrivagilu–Yedakumeri, Yedakumeri–Kadagaravalli, and Kadagaravalli–Donigal sections of the South Western Railway. Train services were immediately diverted via longer alternate routes to ensure passenger safety.

The Mangaluru Central–Vijayapura Special Express (07378) was rerouted through Tokur, Karwar, Madgaon, Londa, and Hubballi, skipping major stops including Bantawala, Subrahmanya Road, Sakleshpura, and Hassan. Similarly, the Murudeshwar–SMVT Bengaluru Express (16586), Kannur–KSR Bengaluru Express (16512), and Karwar–KSR Bengaluru Express (16596) were diverted via Kasaragod, Shoranur, Palakkad, Salem, and Jolarpettai.

South Western Railway authorities have dispatched a material train to Sakleshpura to aid restoration efforts. The operations are being closely monitored by General Manager Mukul Saran Mathur and Additional General Manager K. S. Jain.

Meanwhile, a massive landslip near Maranahalli on the Shiradi Ghat section of NH-75 has forced a complete closure of vehicular movement. Soil and uprooted trees swept onto the highway, triggering heavy traffic jams and stranding thousands of vehicles.

Police have set up barricades and advised commuters to take alternate routes. Clearing operations are underway, though the weekend rush has compounded the disruption.

The twin crises on rail and road routes highlight the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure during the monsoon season. Authorities have urged commuters to remain patient and follow official advisories until normalcy is restored.