Recurring vehicle breakdowns, increased traffic flow worsen travel on Thamarassery Ghat: Alternate routes

Recurring vehicle breakdowns and a surge in traffic have multiplied travel woes on Kerala's Thamarassery Ghat road in Wayanad in the past few days. For two consecutive days - Tuesday morning and Wednesday night - hours-long traffic snarls crippled vehicular movement on the stretch, putting hundreds of passengers in distress.

With the peak tourist season awaited from December 24 to January 2, the general public and the tourism industry fear that recurring traffic blocks will severely affect travel between Wayanad and Kozhikode. Adding to the hardships, tree-cutting work for widening curves is underway at several points on the ghat road. Traffic congestion caused by heavy multi-axle trucks remains the primary reason for the frequent traffic snarls.

Though the stretch falls under the jurisdiction of the Kozhikode District Administration, the road is a lifeline for the people of Wayanad district. While the Kozhikode District Administration had earlier implemented several measures to ease traffic, those arrangements reportedly lasted only briefly.

The Thamarassery stretch of National Highway 766 is a crucial link connecting Wayanad with the rest of Kerala. Also, it serves as a major route linking the Malabar region with Mysore and Bengaluru in Karnataka, as well as the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Any traffic disruption in the stretch affects hundreds of passengers from Wayanad and Kozhikode districts, as well as neighbouring states. 

Traffic jams have now become a daily affair. On Monday night, vehicular movement came to a standstill after a private bus and truck collided between the 6th and 7th curves by 10.30 pm.  On Wednesday morning, a container truck developed a mechanical issue around 6 am and got stuck at a curve, blocking traffic until 1 pm. Multiple accidents again led to traffic congestion in the early hours of Thursday. 

Kalpetta MLA T. Siddique and Kozhikode Bishop Dr Varghese Chakkalakkal also experienced the ordeal on Thursday. Siddique was forced to abandon his car and ride pillion on a two-wheeler to cross the traffic block.  After reaching Lakkidy, he continued his journey in another vehicle. Kozhikode Bishop Dr Varghese Chakkalakkal, who was on his way to Chelode Estate near Chundel to participate in the Christmas celebrations of labourers, also stranded midway.  Later, with the police's assistance, he continued his journey in Siddique's official vehicle.

Rights panel intervenes
Kerala State Human Rights' Commission (KSHRC) member K Baijunath registered a suo motu case on Wednesday, and directed the District Collectors of Wayanad and Kozhikode districts to ensure smooth travel through the Thamatassery Ghat road on a war-footing.

The commission called for a permanent solution to the traffic woes and recommended strict restrictions on truck movement through the stretch. It also directed the authorities to develop a robust traffic management system, ensure toilet facilities for passengers, and provide a workshop and a crane to remove vehicles that develop mechanical issues promptly.

The intervention followed media reports on traffic snarls caused by vehicle breakdowns on Tuesday morning. The commission further directed the two District Collectors to implement its earlier directives and submit a compliance report within three weeks. The case will be reviewed at the Commission scheduled to be held at the  PWD (Public Works Department) Rest House. Kozhikode, next month.

Tourism industry laments
Wayanad Tourism Organisation (WTO) president Sunil Kumar told Onmanorama that the multi-axle trucks should be banned in the stretch. On most of the week, traffic conditions are horrible, he said, adding that the Churam Samrakshana Samithy is now advising passengers via WhatsApp groups to carry water and a light before entering the ghat stretch.  "We cannot advise tourists coming to Wayanad to carry water and food as a precaution, as the person would easily opt for the next safe and comfortable destination, he added. 

The tourist season, starting from the eve of Christmas to the first week of January after New Year, is the peak season of Wayanad. Sad that the ongoing traffic snarls indicate what is in store for the tourists heading from Wayanad to Kozhikode, he said, adding that the cutting of trees for the widening of curves at the stretch should be completed as soon as possible and smooth traffic restored.

To address the high flow of tourists through the stretch during the season, Sunil Kumar demanded that additional police patrolling teams be deployed there.

Alternate routes to avoid traffic block
To avoid traffic congestion on the Ghat road, tourists can opt for early hours before 6 am, as traffic snarls are less on the ghats at that time, as regular passengers to government offices will not be there. Moreover, the border checkposts of Karnataka at Muthanga also be opened for vehicular movement after 6 am.  

Before starting the upward/downward journeys, check the vehicular movements through the ghats. Traffic would be high in the evening hours after 5 pm, as regular passengers and tourists returning from sightseeing also pass through the ghat road at this time. 

Here are a few other alternate routes passengers can opt in case of getting prior information about the traffic jam in the ghats. 
1) For passengers from the Southern part of the state
For travellers heading to Wayanad from the Southern regions of the state - from Malappuram and beyond - the easy alternative road is the Nilambur (19 km)-Vazhikkadavu (20 km) (The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu) Nadukani- (23 km) Chermabadi-(6 km) Vaduvanchal (Wayanad) route. 

2) From Vaduvanchal, those travelling to Sulthan Bathery can take the right turn, while those heading to Kalpetta and Vythiri can continue straight along the Kozhikode Road. 

3) From Vazhikkadavu begins the Nadugani Ghat road linking Nilambur with the Kozhikode-Ooty Road. From here, those who travel to Ooty can turn right and those who want to visit Wayanad should turn to the left. 

4) The roads are winding yet scenic, lined with lush tea plantations blessing your eyes on the right side of the road while travelling towards Wayanad. The approximate travel time between Nilambur and Vaduvanchal is 2 hours. 

5) From Kozhikode to Wayanad
Passengers travelling from Kozhikode to Wayanad can take two alternate routes. 
a) Those heading to Sulthan Bathery or Kalpetta, the South Wayanad region,  can take the Nadukani ghat road. They can travel through the National Highway NH 766 up to Kunnamangalam and deviate through the Mukkam -Areekkode-Nilambur road (Total distance 47 kms). 

b) Those bound for the North Wayanad region of Mananthavadi taluk can opt for the Kozhikode-Perambra-Thottilpalam-Kuttiady road (Total Distance Approx. 110 km). The ghat road is narrow and not suitable for heavy trucks. 

6) From the Northern part of the state 
From Kannur, there are three routes to Wayanad. 
a) Periya Ghat Road: The Periya Ghat Road is the best road linking Kannur with Mananthavadi in Wayanad. The route is Kannur-Koothuparambu-Periya-Mananthavadi (82 kms).
b)Palchuram Ghat Road: Kannur-Kottiyoor -Iritty- Peravoor
c)Boys Town-Mananthavady (Total  80 km)