NAVI MUMBAI: The Mumbai-Goa highway experienced a significant disruption following a massive landslide in Raigad district. The Goa-bound carriageway was shut down for more than 12 hours, from 6 pm on Saturday to Sunday morning, after loose earth and boulders descended from a hill with the rainwater, inundating the highway at Nadgaon village in Mahad taluka.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) quickly responded to the situation, and traffic on the highway was restored by 8 am on Sunday. However, the incident caused a substantial queue of vehicles, stretching for several kilometres towards Mumbai. The closure coincided with the weekend, a period typically marked by increased travel, as many motorists were either heading to their native places or popular tourist destinations in Goa.
A viral video captured by a motorist at the scene has been circulating on social media, depicting the sudden halt in traffic as four-wheelers, trucks, chemical tankers, two-wheelers, and other vehicles were brought to a standstill. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, although the incident instilled fear among the travellers.
Local residents have voiced concerns about the safety measures on the highway, alleging that netting and bolting of the hill to prevent such landslides have not yet been implemented. This lapse in preventive infrastructure has raised questions about the preparedness of the authorities to handle such natural calamities, particularly in regions prone to heavy rainfall.
A highway traffic constable on duty provided insights into the immediate actions taken to manage the situation. “The traffic was diverted to the Mumbai-bound carriageway from the Goa-bound carriageway to ensure a smooth flow of vehicles. The debris was successfully cleared by Sunday morning, allowing for the resumption of normal traffic,” he stated.
The landslide and subsequent road closure highlight the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures and proactive maintenance of infrastructure in areas susceptible to natural disasters. As the monsoon season progresses, the risk of such incidents remains high, underscoring the necessity for robust disaster management strategies and timely implementation of protective measures.
The incident has served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by commuters and the critical importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of major transportation routes. Moving forward, authorities must prioritise the reinforcement of vulnerable sections of highways and the installation of effective landslide prevention systems to safeguard against future disruptions.
