Kalinga Ghat landslides prompt IIT investigation and emergency road repairs

An Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) technical team will investigate landslides occurring at two locations along Kalinga Ghat on NH-157 in Odisha’s Kandhamal district. The landslides followed heavy rainfall in the region.

Odisha Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh inspected the affected stretches and ordered emergency restoration measures. To ensure motorist safety, officials have been instructed to clear loose rocks and unstable soil from vulnerable hill slopes.

Authorities plan to restrict vehicular movement through unsafe sections until safety measures are complete. At one affected location, officials will implement regulated single-lane traffic using a 400-metre taper to guide vehicles safely. The IIT team will examine the sites at Km 86.380 and Km 86.675 to identify causes of slope failure and recommend permanent engineering solutions for long-term stabilization.