Heavy rains damage Manipal Inox Road, cause long traffic snarls
The recent torrential rains that lashed the coastal town of Manipal in Udupi district have left a trail of destruction and chaos on the National Highway stretch in front of Inox, Manipal. 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 vehicular traffic to a grinding halt and causing long traffic snarls.
The heavy rainfall, which started in the late evening hours of May 20, 2025, caught the authorities and residents off guard, leaving them no time to prepare for the damage that was to come. The rainwater, which poured down in sheets, quickly overwhelmed the drainage system, causing the road surface to crack and break apart. The worst affected stretch was the National Highway in front of Inox, Manipal, which is a major thoroughfare connecting the town to other parts of the district and beyond.
Eyewitnesses reported that the rainwater flowed freely over the highway, creating massive puddles and deep craters that made it difficult for vehicles to navigate the road. The situation was further complicated by the strong winds that accompanied the rain, which made it difficult for emergency services to reach the affected areas.
“It was like a mini-flood on the highway,” said Rajesh, a local resident who was caught in the traffic jam. “The rainwater was flowing so fast that it was almost like a river. We were stuck in traffic for hours, and it was getting increasingly difficult to breathe as the water was rising rapidly.”
The Manipal Inox Road, which is a critical link for commuters, was severely affected by the damage caused by the heavy rainfall. The road, which is usually a smooth and well-maintained stretch, was now a treacherous terrain, with deep potholes and broken asphalt making it difficult for vehicles to navigate.
“It’s a disaster,” said a local shopkeeper, who wished to remain anonymous. “The road is in shambles, and it’s going to take a lot of work to repair the damage. In the meantime, people are going to have to find alternative routes, which is going to cause a lot of inconvenience.”
The Udupi district administration has announced that it will take immediate action to repair the damaged road and restore normalcy to the traffic flow. The administration has also appealed to the public to exercise caution while traveling on the road and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
In the meantime, residents of Manipal are left to grapple with the aftermath of the heavy rainfall and the damage it has caused to their daily lives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and the need for effective disaster management strategies.
As the town struggles to come to terms with the damage caused by the heavy rainfall, it is essential that the authorities take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future. This can be achieved by investing in effective drainage systems, improving road maintenance, and implementing disaster management plans that are tailored to the needs of the community.
In conclusion, the recent heavy rainfall in Manipal has caused significant damage to the Manipal Inox Road, resulting in long traffic snarls and disrupting the daily lives of residents. As the town works to repair the damage and restore normalcy, it is essential that the authorities take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that the community is better prepared to face the challenges posed by heavy rainfall.
