Traffic partially restored on Munnar National Highway after landslide

Munnar: Traffic has been partially restored on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway in Munnar after the district administration eased restrictions imposed following a landslide. Vehicular movement resumed at 4 pm on Thursday.

Traffic had been suspended near the CSI Church in Munnar since Saturday after a landslide rendered the stretch unsafe for commuters. As the threat has not been completely eliminated, the district administration decided to reopen the road only after detailed consultations and a fresh assessment of the situation.

With the risk still persisting and to prevent traffic congestion, the administration has introduced a revised traffic management plan. Vehicular movement through Munnar town will now follow a one-way system.

Under the new arrangement, vehicles arriving from the Adimali side must keep left and enter Munnar town via the National Highway near the CSI Church.

Vehicles travelling from the Mattupetty and Marayoor sides must take the Devikulam route, cross the small bridge and proceed over the new bridge near the CSI Church before continuing towards Adimali.

Police personnel, under the supervision of the District Police Chief, will regulate traffic. The National Highways Project Director has been directed to install barricades on both sides of the road, put up adequate warning signs, and remove loose soil from the cracked stretch of the National Highway to ensure public safety.

The Project Director has also been instructed to deploy additional personnel to assist the police in traffic management.