Heavy Rains Damage Manipal Inox Road, Cause Long Traffic Snarls
Torrential rains wreaked havoc on the National Highway stretch in front of Inox, Manipal, leaving the road surface severely damaged. The intense downpour caused a massive waterlogging, tearing open sections of the road and converting parts of it into dangerous craters. As rainwater had no alternate outlet, it flowed freely over the highway, bringing life to a standstill.
The incident occurred on May 20, 2025, when a low-pressure system brought heavy rainfall to the Udupi district, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The Manipal Inox Road, a crucial stretch of the National Highway, was particularly affected, with reports of massive waterlogging and road damage pouring in.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “apocalyptic,” with several feet of water covering the road, making it impassable for vehicles. The rainwater had no outlet, and as a result, the highway was transformed into a river, with vehicles struggling to navigate through the treacherous conditions.
The heavy rainfall was accompanied by strong winds, which further exacerbated the situation, causing trees to uproot and power lines to snap. The streets were filled with debris, making it difficult for emergency services to reach affected areas.
The Manipal Inox Road, which connects the city to the rest of the state, is a critical artery for commuters. The damage caused by the heavy rainfall brought the road to a grinding halt, causing long traffic snarls and disrupting the daily lives of residents and commuters alike.
“It was like a nightmare come true,” said Ramesh, a local resident who was stuck in the traffic jam. “I was on my way to work when the rain started pouring down. The water was knee-deep, and I was worried that my car would stall. I had to abandon my vehicle and walk to safety.”
The authorities were quick to respond to the situation, deploying teams to clear the debris and restore the road to its original state. However, the task was Herculean, with the rainwater showing no signs of receding.
“It’s a challenging situation, but we’re doing our best to clear the road and restore normalcy,” said a local official. “We’re working around the clock to clear the debris and make the road safe for commuters.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of infrastructure development, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has been criticized for its lack of preparedness in dealing with such situations.
“The NHAI needs to take a relook at its infrastructure development plans, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall,” said a local resident. “We can’t afford to have our roads damaged every time it rains. It’s time for the authorities to take concrete measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”
In conclusion, the heavy rainfall that damaged the Manipal Inox Road is a stark reminder of the importance of infrastructure development and preparedness. The authorities need to take concrete measures to prevent such incidents in the future, and commuters need to be prepared for the unexpected. As the city begins to rebuild and recover, it’s essential to remember that the road to recovery is long and arduous, but with determination and perseverance, we can overcome even the most challenging of situations.
