Heavy Vehicles Banned in Kodagu Till August 25 due to Landslide Risk

According to the directive, vehicles transporting wooden logs and sand, and goods carriers with a registered weight exceeding 18,500 kg.

Madikeri: In light of the ongoing monsoon and the increased threat of landslides, the Kodagu district administration has imposed a temporary ban on the movement of heavy vehicles until August 25. Deputy Commissioner Venkata Raja, who also chairs the Kodagu Regional Transport Authority, issued the order on August 5, following the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) orange alert for the district.

According to the directive, vehicles transporting wooden logs and sand, and goods carriers with a registered weight exceeding 18,500 kg such as bullet tankers, cargo containers, multi-axle long chassis vehicles, and articulated trucks are restricted from operating within the district during this period.

The ban has been enforced under provisions of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963; Disaster Management Act, 2005; Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; and Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. However, the order makes exceptions for essential service vehicles transporting items like cooking gas, fuel, milk, and fertilisers. Public transport buses, including multi-axle buses, vehicles used for government purposes, and school and college transport are also exempt.

To implement the restrictions effectively, the Deputy Commissioner has authorised the Superintendent of Police to install warning signboards and set up checkpoints at critical entry points to Kodagu district, especially at Kushalnagar and Sampaje along National Highway 275. These check posts will be manned around the clock, and mobile patrol units will monitor compliance. Legal action will be initiated against those who violate the directive.

The DC’s office noted that consistent rainfall has caused road conditions to deteriorate rapidly, increasing the risk of landslides particularly in areas with steep gradients and sharp bends. Officials warned that the passage of heavily loaded vehicles can destabilise already weakened road edges, endangering both travellers and local infrastructure.

Many key roads in Kodagu are currently undergoing repairs due to damage from recurrent monsoon-related events over the past five years. The restriction is a preventive measure to protect public safety and infrastructure, according to the administration.

Light vehicles, buses, and goods carriers weighing up to 12 tonnes are allowed to operate during this period.