Traffic banned on Adimali-Munnar route after boulder collapse; vehicle diversions in force
Following a massive boulder collapse during construction work, authorities banned traffic on the Adimali-Munnar highway for three days to ensure public safety, implementing local diversions while clearance operations continue.
Following a massive boulder collapse during construction work, authorities banned traffic on the Adimali-Munnar highway for three days to ensure public safety, implementing local diversions while clearance operations continue.
Following a massive boulder collapse during construction work, authorities banned traffic on the Adimali-Munnar highway for three days to ensure public safety, implementing local diversions while clearance operations continue.
Traffic along the Adimali-Munnar section of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH 85) has been banned for now after a massive boulder collapse at Second Mile disrupted transport. District Collector Dr Dinesan Cheruval said the ban would remain in force until security threats were fully neutralised.
The massive rock fell onto the road late on Monday night, while earth was being cleared for national highway construction works. There are also several other hazardous rocks and large trees in the area. Authorities estimate that safely removing them and breaking down the fallen boulder will take three days. Consequently, the travel ban has been implemented to prioritise passenger safety.
Traffic diversions
From Munnar towards Adimali: Vehicles should divert from Second Mile via Anachal and Iruttukanam to reach Adimali.
From Adimali towards Munnar: Vehicles can divert from Iruttukanam via Anachal to reach Second Mile and proceed to Munnar.
Towards Mankulam: Vehicles must proceed from Iruttukanam to Kallar Junction and take a turn towards Mankulam.
The District Collector has also directed the Project Director of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to clear the blockages at the site and complete the works within three days. Traffic will be resumed only after an expert technical committee confirms that the hazard zone is completely safe. The District Police Chief and other officials have been entrusted with setting up necessary warning boards, barricades, and night-time security arrangements in the area.
To prevent similar accidents in the future, the Disaster Management Authority has also recommended adopting scientific bench cutting methods instead of vertical cutting when clearing steep earth.