Kandhamal, Sept. 17 (UDN): A year after a massive landslide severed road connectivity between Odisha’s Kandhamal and Ganjam districts, the damaged stretch of the Kalinga Ghat road remains only partially restored, with loose boulders perched on the hillside continuing to alarm commuters.
The landslide struck on September 16, 2025, after hours of intense rainfall triggered the collapse of nearly 25 metres of the ghat road. The cave-in brought traffic to a standstill, forcing authorities to suspend vehicular movement along the route for about one and a half months while emergency restoration work was carried out.
Road restored, but not to its original width
Although traffic has resumed, the affected section has yet to regain its original width. Vehicles now pass through a temporary stretch measuring around 15 feet, while retaining walls of approximately 6 to 7 feet have been built on either side to stabilise the road.
Despite these measures, the hillside above the damaged stretch still contains several large rocks that appear unstable, raising fears of fresh rockfalls during the ongoing monsoon.
Commuters remain wary
Residents and regular travellers say they continue to cross the ghat road with caution, recalling the scale of last year’s disaster and the prolonged disruption it caused.
Local people have urged authorities to undertake permanent restoration and slope stabilisation measures before another spell of heavy rain triggers further damage.
Eyewitness recalls terrifying ordeal
An eyewitness and priest who was present during the landslide described the incident as one of the most frightening experiences of his life.
According to him, heavy rain lashed the area for nearly two hours that afternoon, causing the mountainside to give way as massive rocks and debris crashed down the slope. He said people rushed to a nearby temple to seek shelter as floodwaters surged through the area.
The priest recalled that returning to his village became impossible because vehicles were stranded, rocks continued to slide and water flowed across the road. He added that the prolonged closure of the route even prevented him from visiting the temple for worship for several weeks.
Demand for a permanent solution
Residents warn that the hanging boulders still visible on the hillside could slide onto the road during another bout of heavy rain, potentially blocking the route again.
With the Kalinga Ghat road serving as a crucial link between Kandhamal and Ganjam, locals say permanent restoration and slope protection work can no longer be delayed if commuter safety and uninterrupted connectivity are to be ensured.