Abstract:
The present study provides a discussion on landslide event
which occurred along Hill Cart road, in the year 2011. The
concerned area, situated in the Tindharia region of West Bengal,
is famous as a UNESCO world heritage site and draws tourists
owing to the famous toy train operated by the Darjeeling
Himalayan Railway. This paper presents a description of the events
associated with the catastrophic landslide which resulted in the
abrupt halting of the operations of the toy train network and
disruption of road traffic. Observations made during the site visit
are presented, summarizing the important geological findings.
Data collected during the site visit is utilized to identify the
probable failure surface. Back analysis is attempted using the limit
equilibrium method, to assess the effect of geomechanical
parameters on the stability of the slope while replicating the
probable range of parameters leading to instability. The results of
the back analysis are further utilized in a finite element numerical
model to assess the stability of the new slope profile. Measures for
improving the stability of the new slope by incorporation of rock
bolts are discussed. It is believed that the findings of the present
study will be beneficial for future stability analyses at the concerned
site.