Landslide on Agumbe Ghat road; Traffic movement stopped!

Hebri: A landslide on a section of the hilly slope on the Agumbe Ghat road has affected connectivity between Shivamogga and Udupi. The ghat section has now been closed for traffic.

The landslip occurred between the third and fourth bend on the Agumbe Ghat on the early hours of July 10. With a huge amount of mud, trees, and other debris covering the road, the traffic movement came to a standstill.

Traffic on the ghat section is being diverted. Vehicles moving from Shivamogga to Udupi are being diverted to the Siddapura route. Vehicles are being stopped at the Agumbe Ghat check post and at the Someshwar check post.

Hebri police personnel and other officials are on the scene and the work to remove the debris from the road is ongoing. There are apprehensions of further landslides on the road and the ghat section is temporarily closed, an official involved in the operation said.

Many motorists were caught unaware of the landslip and closure of the road. Some vehicles, which moved onto the Agumbe Ghat section, had to return back.

Karnataka Home Minister Araga Janendra visited the spot and inspected the relief operations underway. He instructed the officials to speed up the repair work and open the road for vehicular movement as early as possible.

Speaking to reporters, he assured the public that survey work will be undertaken to prevent such mishaps in the future.