Debris clearance work is underway on the Munnar highway

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) continued clearing debris in the landslide-hit Moonam Mile area near Munnar on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway.

Following the recent landslide on the evening of 23 October, the Idukki District Collector has imposed a two-week complete curfew on the Munnar-Adimaly route starting from 25 October. Officials said the latest landslide occurred as workers cleared debris left by another landslide the previous week.

“The district administration has directed NHAI to complete the debris clearance as soon as possible. Once the debris is cleared and a protective retaining wall is constructed, traffic will resume immediately. The Munnar-Adimaly section via Randam Mile is a vital corridor connecting Munnar hill station,” said a senior revenue official.

The official added that traffic diversions on the section will remain in place. Vehicles traveling from Adimala to Munnar have to divert at Iruttukanam and proceed via Anachal and Randam Mile. Those traveling from Munnar to Adimala have to take the reverse route via Randam Mile, Anachal and Iruttukanam. Mankulam-bound motorists have been instructed to take a detour at Iruttukanam to reach Kallar Junction before proceeding to Mankulam.

Meanwhile, sources said that in its reply to the Idukki district administration, the NHAI claimed that the repeated mudslides along the widening stretch were not due to unscientific construction. The agency said the Munnar region is inherently prone to landslides and road widening work can trigger such incidents.

Sources also noted that an expert technical committee has been constituted by the district collector to determine whether unscientific widening of the road has contributed to the repeated landslides.

Based on NHAI’s reply, the district administration has written to the state government for further instructions.

Published – 27 Oct 2026 19:12 IST