Stone removal on Kochi-Dhanushkodi NH continues in Munnar

Officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Wednesday continued to remove rocks at Randam Mile near Munnar on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway.

Meanwhile, District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt has banned vehicular traffic along the Adimaly-Munnar stretch since Tuesday following a major rock fall at the site.

According to officials, the rock fall occurred during the widening of the highway. The ban was implemented after it was determined that loose boulders and weakened trees along the slopes posed an imminent danger to motorists. Authorities estimate that it will take at least three days to remove the debris and demolish the dangerous rock formations.

Officials noted that cleanup work is underway, adding that operations cannot resume until slope stabilization is fully completed and verified.

After the closure, traffic was diverted along alternative routes. Vehicles traveling from Adimala to Munnar have to turn at Iruttukanam and proceed via Anachal and Randam Mile. Those traveling from Munnar to Adimala have to follow the reverse route via Randam Mile, Anachal and Iruttukanam. Mankulam-bound motorists have been directed to divert to Iruttukanam and reach Kallar Junction before proceeding towards Mankulam.

Although the district collector has directed the NHAI project director to clear the route within three days, officials have hinted that the stabilization work may take longer.

Regular operation will only be allowed after the section has been checked by an expert technical committee and confirmed that it is safe. The district police chief and local law enforcement agencies have been directed to set up proper barricades and intensify surveillance along the corridor during night hours.

To prevent recurring incidents, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has directed NHAI to stop vertical cutting into the hills along the road slopes and strictly follow scientific methods of bench cutting during the widening work.

The closure comes during the busy Pooja holiday season, which is the peak travel season when Munnar experiences a massive influx of tourists. Stakeholders in the local tourism industry have expressed concern that diverting heavy traffic through narrower secondary routes will cause severe bottlenecks and prolonged congestion through the hill station.

Published – 21 Oct 2026 19:48 IST