Phulbani: Commuters received a significant boost as the Kalinga Ghat road in Odisha’s Kandhamala district reopened today after being closed for 46 days due to potential landslide hazards.

As per an announcement from Kandhamala Collector Vedbhushan, all types of vehicles are now permitted to travel on the Kalinga Ghat road.

The closure, which began on September 23, was a precautionary measure enacted in response to heavy rainfall and concerns about landslides, with the official order issued the following day to prevent any incidents.

Following necessary road repairs, the administration has decided to allow traffic on the road in the interest of public safety. This directive will remain in effect until further notice.

In a similar move, the district administration has also authorized light motor vehicles on the Daringbadi-Gajalbadi Ghat road after conducting temporary repairs.

This ghat road suffered damage due to heavy rains associated with cyclone ‘Arnab’, leading to restrictions on vehicular movement since October 27.

Officials stated that, in the interest of public safety and after temporary fixes, only light motor vehicles will be allowed on this route.

The Collector has instructed all relevant authorities, including the Superintendent of Police, Kandhamala, the Superintending Engineer of National Highways, the Executive Engineer, the Sub-Collector, the Tehsildar, and local police, to ensure strict adherence to these regulations and to restrict heavy vehicle movement on the specified routes.