Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide on NH-520 in Kendujhar, Traffic Movement Disrupted

Kendujhar: Vehicular movement on NH-520 was disrupted after a landslide blocked a portion of the highway at Barabanka Ghat under Rugudi police limits in Kendujhar district on Monday.

The landslide occurred following heavy rainfall in the area, causing part of the hillside to collapse and leaving debris spread across nearly half of one side of the carriageway.

Following the incident, police personnel and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials reached the spot and launched clearance work. Traffic was being managed carefully as workers removed the debris to restore normal movement along the stretch.

The disruption has affected several vehicles, including iron-laden trucks and passenger buses operating between Badabil and Rajamunda towards Rourkela in neighbouring Sundargarh district. Movement of mineral-laden vehicles carrying stone from the Koida and Badabil mining areas has also been impacted.

Kendujhar police issued an advisory asking commuters to exercise caution while travelling through the affected stretch.

In a post on X, the police said the landslide had partially blocked one side of NH-520 and that vehicles were moving slowly in a single line. Commuters travelling from Barbil towards Rajamunda were advised to take necessary precautions and drive carefully.

NH-520 serves as a key transportation corridor in the region and handles substantial passenger and commercial traffic. The authorities are continuing restoration efforts to clear the highway and facilitate smoother movement of vehicles.