NH-44 Cave-In Near Attibele Causes Long Delays for Commuters, Bengaluru–Hosur Traffic Disrupted

Traffic on National Highway 44 between Bengaluru and Hosur was severely disrupted on Wednesday after a portion of the carriageway caved in near Attibele, leading to long delays during peak hours.

The cave-in occurred on the Attibele-Suryanagar stretch, under the limits of Attibele and Suryanagar police stations. The collapse reduced the usable width of the highway, forcing vehicles to pass through a single lane and resulting in kilometre-long queues of trucks, buses and private vehicles.

Police said the affected stretch is a critical link for daily commuters and heavy vehicles travelling between Bengaluru and industrial areas in Tamil Nadu.

Road works suspected behind collapse

Officials said ongoing road widening and infrastructure works on the stretch were suspected to have contributed to the cave-in. Preliminary assessment indicated that excavation activity and the movement of heavy machinery may have weakened the road surface.

"A detailed inspection is being conducted, but the collapse appears to be linked to the expansion work under way," a police officer said.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has cordoned off the damaged portion and initiated repair work.

Repair work begins, diversions imposed

NHAI teams moved equipment to the site and began filling and stabilising the affected section. Traffic police were deployed to regulate vehicle movement and divert traffic through local roads, though congestion persisted for several hours.

Officials said restoration work was being taken up on a priority basis, but did not specify a timeline for the reopening of the full carriageway.

Commuters advised to expect delays

With repair work continuing, police advised motorists travelling on the Bengaluru-Hosur corridor to expect delays and use alternate routes where possible. Officials also flagged the need for close monitoring of highway works, particularly ahead of the monsoon season, to prevent similar incidents.