Landslide: Alternative route for traffic

An alternative route has been provided for vehicular movement through Mekeri on Virajpet Road following a landslide on National Highway 275 which passes through Madikeri and Mangaluru.

The movement of heavy vehicles has been banned on this route. However, fuel, LPG, milk supply and school vehicles are being allowed. The route is not fit for huge traffic. Hence, the movement of the vehicles gets slow. On the first day on Thursday, the road users faced some problem.

The road is narrow and has more turns. As a result, lorries and buses were seen stranded on the way. The 4-km long Mekeri-Thalattamane Road is too narrow.

Manjesh, a resident of Mekeri, said, “Hundreds of vehicles pass through Madikeri-Mangaluru Road every day. On the first day, Airavatha and private luxury buses were seen stranded on the road turns. A bus was stranded for one hour. Due to heavy rain, the Thalattamane Road is also affected. The roads are not much motorable. The roads in Mekeri area are already in a bad shape. If more vehicles are allowed to pass through these roads, the condition will become pathetic. The district administration should take suitable steps.”

The police, swinging into action following an order from the deputy commissioner, have put up barricades at General Thimmaya Circle and Bhagamandala. Sandbags have been placed in landslide areas.