The sections of the National Highway in Gudalur have become almost impossible for the operation to be safely navigated, says residents. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Gudalur residents demanded that state and national highways connecting the city with Udhagamandalam and Kerala be repaired after the rain strictly damaging the roads.
The locals said that the section of the National Highway from Deivamalai to Thorapalli, which the inhabitants used to achieve Udhagamandalam, was seriously damaged, which was further impaired by the rain.
A. Usman, councilor number 10 in Gudalur, said that sometimes it took more than five hours to reach Coimbatore of Gudalur due to poor road conditions. “Because Gudalur is seriously missing in medical facilities, we have to either travel to Oota and Coimbatore, or to Perinthalmanna in Malappuram, Kerala to treat.
K. Sutesh, a resident, said the National Highway 181 and the State Motorway connecting Gudalur with Kozhikod over a kilo of overugans were seriously damaged. “The roads have been poorly maintained and no repairs have been made over the years. This in combination with heavy rain has made many parts unusable or extremely dangerous for motorists,” he said.
He added that the national highways stated in response to their repeated requests that the funds to initiate repair work along the highway were sanctioned, but that the tender was still to be floated. “This road is used by tourists and locals who reach Nilgiris of Karnataka and Keraral, as well as important tourist places such as Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. It is essential that repairs are immediately made,” he said.
Published – 7 July 2025 17:28
