Traffic on Adimaly-Munnar section of Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway suspended after rock fall

The Idukki district administration in Kerala has banned vehicular traffic on the Adimaly-Munnar section of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway following a major rock fall at Randammil near Munnar Hill Station.

According to officials, the rock fall occurred during the widening of the highway. The ban was imposed after several loose boulders and trees along the road were found to pose an imminent safety hazard to commuters. Officials estimate the demolition and debris removal will take approximately three days.

Traffic was diverted via alternative routes. Motorists traveling from Adimala to Munnar have to divert at Iruttukanam and proceed via Anachal and Randammile to Munnar. Those heading from Munnar to Adimala can use the opposite route of Randammile–Anachal–Iruttukanam. Passengers heading towards Mankulam should take a diversion at Iruttukanam to reach Kallar Junction before turning to Mankulam road.

District Collector Dineshan Cheruvayal directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project director to remove the obstruction within three days. The operation will be resumed only after the technical expert committee has checked the section and confirmed its safety. The District Superintendent of Police and local authorities have also been directed to erect proper barricades on the route at night and increase security.

To avoid future falling rocks, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has directed NHAI to stop vertical cutting of slopes along the road and adopt scientific methods of bench cutting during highway widening.

The road closure comes amid the Pooja holiday rush when Munnar witnesses a large influx of visitors. Tourism stakeholders have expressed concern that diverting traffic from the main highway would worsen congestion and cause prolonged gridlock across the hill station.

Published – 20 Oct 2026 19:37 IST