Bhubaneswar: Traffic has resumed on the Taptapani Ghat portion of National Highway-326, located at the Ganjam-Gajapati border, after extensive restoration efforts were completed.

Reports indicate that the restoration was achieved after engineers repaired a nearly 20-foot damaged section near Belgada village, which had collapsed due to heavy rainfall runoff from the hills. This damage had prompted police and local authorities to close off the road with barricades, hindering traffic on this crucial highway that links several districts in South Odisha with adjacent states.

It is important to note that the intense rainfall on Thursday night also triggered landslides at various locations, including Taptapani, Kaliborei, Chhedanai, and Palukhala. The landslides resulted in large boulders, mud, and trees obstructing the roadway, with some areas experiencing hill water flowing over the road at depths of up to three feet.

Upon receiving reports of the situation, teams from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), along with Sanakhemundi Fire Services and Patapur police, initiated initial clearance operations.

The NHAI is currently in the process of clearing the remaining debris and rocks using heavy machinery to ensure the highway is safe and fully operational.