Rain Fury / Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena Reviews Kalinga Ghat Landslide Damage

Brahmapur, Sep 26: Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhubasn Jena on Saturday visited Kalinga Ghat, a vital link between Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, following repeated landslides triggered by incessant rain in the region caused by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.

Accompanied by the Ganjam District Collector and a technical team, the Minister reviewed the precarious situation on the ghat road. Officials reported large cracks on the carriageway, massive boulders blocking stretches, and the collapse of a major guard wall on the under‑construction road earlier this week.

Over the past three days, the ghat has witnessed three separate landslides at different locations, leaving the route unsafe for commuters. Continuous water flow from the hills and falling rocks have compounded the risks, prompting the administration to order an indefinite closure of Kalinga Ghat, which has already remained sealed for the past four days.

Locals expressed concern over the disruption, noting that the closure has severely impacted livelihoods, particularly traders in Durga Prasad, and daily movement for thousands who rely on the ghat for access to education, healthcare, and markets in Ganjam. The route is considered Kandhamal’s “lifeline,” with heavy daily traffic.

Also Read: Widespread Rainfall Causes Significant Damage Across Odisha

Official assessments highlight the scale of damage: guard walls have collapsed in several stretches, giant rocks continue to block portions of the road, and deep cracks have made the route perilous. Authorities said restoration will take considerable time, with reopening dependent on slope stabilisation and repair of damaged infrastructure.

While flood‑like conditions have eased elsewhere in Odisha, Kalinga Ghat remains the worst‑affected stretch this season, with uncertainty looming over when normal traffic will resume.