A landslip triggered by heavy rainfall has once again disrupted traffic on the Munnar Gap Road, part of the vital Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway.
The road, crucial for both local and tourist traffic, was blocked after boulders and debris fell across the route, forcing the district authorities to impose a temporary travel ban. The landslide, which occurred at approximately 5 pm on Sunday, followed a heavy downpour that lasted for over two hours. Just moments before the landslide, a tourist vehicle from Tamil Nadu had passed through the stretch, narrowly avoiding the falling debris. While no casualties were reported, the incident has highlighted the ongoing risks posed by landslides in the region, especially during the monsoon season.
Authorities acted swiftly to control the situation, with local police personnel from Santhanpara and Devikulam stations being deployed to manage the roadblock. The closure lasted for about an hour and a half while efforts were made to clear smaller debris and rocks from the road. Traffic was only allowed to resume once the rain had stopped and the area was declared safe for vehicles. However, three large boulders remained on the road, obstructing traffic until earthmovers from Munnar were brought in to remove them. The incident marks the eighth landslide on this stretch since the widening and reconstruction of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway. The previous landslide in July 2024 led to a two-week shutdown of the same stretch, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to such events.
The authorities have issued a travel advisory urging those planning to travel through the high-range areas of Idukki to exercise extreme caution. The repeated landslides along the Munnar Gap Road have raised concerns among residents and tourists alike, as the area’s steep slopes and unpredictable weather conditions continue to pose a significant challenge for road safety. This latest landslip incident also comes at a time when the state government is reviewing infrastructure improvements and stability measures for key roads in the Western Ghats region, an area prone to frequent weather-related disruptions.
While efforts are ongoing to mitigate such risks, including improved drainage systems and landslide detection technologies, the Munnar Gap Road remains a critical route for both locals and the thriving tourism sector in Idukki. The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will assess whether any additional measures are required to prevent further incidents. As Kerala faces the challenges of managing its fragile terrain and heavy monsoon rains, local authorities are being urged to take a more comprehensive approach to disaster prevention, focusing on sustainable infrastructure solutions that balance safety with the region’s unique environmental needs.
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