Traffic ban will continue in Munnar following another landslide on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway

A landslide hit the Karadippara area near Moonammile on the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway in Munnar. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

DistrictCollector Dineshan Cheruvatt on Saturday extended the ban on vehicular traffic on the Adimaly-Munnar section of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway for another two weeks following another major landslide at Karadippara, near Moonammile, in Munnar Hill Station.

Officials said traffic on the route was suspended last Monday after a landslide occurred during highway widening work. Officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) subsequently began clearing rock and debris and expected the work to be completed within a week. However, during the clearance work, a huge amount of stones and debris fell on the highway on Friday night, damaging the retaining wall on the lower stretch of the road. After the incident, the district administration decided to extend the complete traffic ban for another two weeks.

A senior revenue department official said the loose rock and soil was still sliding down during clearance. “When rock falls, large masses of rocks and trees are left on top without any grip. Debris continues to fall on the road during the work. We cannot resume traffic on the highway without complete removal of the debris. Besides, the retaining wall has to be rebuilt. NHAI has been instructed to speed up the work. We expect to complete the work within two weeks,” the official said.

Meanwhile, sources noted that debris removal and rebuilding of the retaining wall after the second landslide remains a major challenge that may take longer than expected.

Last week, traffic on the highway was diverted along alternate routes after the initial landslide. Motorists traveling from Adimala to Munnar have been asked to divert at Iruttukanam and proceed via Anachal and Randammile to Munnar. Those heading from Munnar to Adimala have been asked to take the reverse route of Randammile–Anachal–Iruttukanam. Passengers heading towards Mankulam have been asked to take a diversion at Iruttukanam and reach Kallar Junction before taking the Mankulam road.

According to officials, motorists must continue to use these alternate routes while the total ban is in place. “Without the imposition of a total traffic ban, the authorities cannot safely continue clearing the debris and strengthening the roads,” the official added.

Published – 25 October 2026 20:45 IST