Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: Heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab caused a fresh landslide on the Kalinga Ghat road in Odisha’s Kandhamal district on Thursday, raising concerns over road safety and the ongoing restoration work.

According to reports, a massive boulder rolled down the hillside near Andharikot, blocking a stretch of National Highway-157. The incident occurred at the same location where a portion of the road was washed away on September 24 following incessant rainfall.

The recurrence of the landslide has heightened concerns, as restoration work at the vulnerable stretch was still underway and had not been completed. The fresh incident is likely to complicate repair efforts and delay the restoration of normal road connectivity.

Kalinga Ghat serves as a crucial road link between Ganjam and Kandhamal districts and is important for the movement of commuters and goods. The stretch near Andharikot has witnessed repeated landslides and erosion during periods of heavy rainfall.

To prevent further damage, construction of a guard wall was underway at the site. However, the latest landslide has posed an additional challenge for the teams engaged in restoration work.

With heavy rainfall continuing under the influence of Cyclone Arnab, concerns remain over further landslides and the safety of road users. Commuters are advised to exercise caution while travelling through vulnerable stretches.

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