Berhampur: Vehicular movement has been severely disrupted on National Highway-16 (NH-16) near Berhampur after floodwater from the overflowing Bahuda River spread across the highway along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. The sudden rise in water levels has brought traffic to a standstill, leaving commuters and transport operators facing difficulties.
The flooding has affected an important road connection between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, disrupting the movement of vehicles along the busy Kolkata-Chennai highway corridor.
Bahuda River Floodwater Submerges NH-16
The Bahuda River has overflowed following heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab, sending floodwater onto a section of NH-16 near the Ichhapuram border area.
The affected stretch forms part of the Puintola–Ichhapuram section of the highway. According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), approximately two kilometres of the road have been affected by flooding.
As water continues to flow across the highway, normal vehicular movement has been disrupted. The situation has raised concerns about the safety of commuters attempting to cross the flooded stretch.
Traffic Disrupted Between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
NH-16 is one of the major national highways connecting eastern and southern India. It serves as an important transportation route for passenger vehicles, buses and goods carriers travelling between Kolkata and Chennai.
The flooding near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border has affected this important route, creating difficulties for people travelling between the two states.
Reports indicate that several trucks, buses and other vehicles were stranded on both sides of the flooded stretch as traffic movement was interrupted.
The disruption has also affected transportation activities, with vehicles unable to proceed normally through the waterlogged section.
NHAI Suspends Highway and Toll Plaza Operations
Following the flooding, the National Highways Authority of India issued a traffic advisory asking motorists to exercise extreme caution and follow instructions from local authorities.
NHAI’s regional office in Odisha also clarified that vehicular movement along the affected highway stretch and operations at Karapadu Toll Plaza had been temporarily suspended due to safety concerns.
The authority stated that restoration work would be undertaken after the floodwater recedes. Normal traffic and toll plaza operations will resume only after the road is inspected and declared safe for vehicles.
Cyclone Arnab Triggers Flooding in Southern Odisha
The highway disruption is part of the wider impact of Cyclone Arnab, which brought heavy rainfall to several districts of Odisha.
Southern Odisha, particularly Ganjam and Gajapati, has experienced significant rainfall and flooding, affecting roads, villages and transportation networks.
The overflowing rivers and waterlogged roads have created difficulties for residents and commuters in several locations. The flooding of NH-16 has added to the transportation challenges in the region.
Commuters Advised to Follow Traffic Instructions
With floodwater continuing to affect the highway, commuters have been advised to remain cautious and follow directions issued by the local administration and highway authorities.
Motorists should avoid attempting to cross flooded sections, as water depth and current strength can make driving extremely dangerous.
Travellers planning to move between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh should check the latest traffic advisories before starting their journey.
The NH-16 traffic disruption caused by the overflowing Bahuda River highlights the impact of Cyclone Arnab on road connectivity in southern Odisha. Normal vehicular movement will resume only after floodwater recedes and authorities confirm that the affected highway stretch is safe for traffic.
