Idukki : The complete traffic ban imposed on the Second Mile stretch of Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway 85 on the Adimali-Munnar route following a landslide has been extended by another two weeks.
District collector Dineshan Cheruvath said the extension was necessary as more time was required to complete safety works.
A new retaining wall of 8-9m in height and 10-30m in length must be constructed, according to the hazard analyst’s report after inspecting the site. Alternative routes for motorists Munnar to Adimali: Travel from Second Mile via Anachal to Iruttukanam and proceed to Adimali Adimali to Munnar: Take the route via Iruttukanam and Anachal to Second Mile before proceeding to Munnar Towards Mankulam: From Iruttukanam, reach Kallar Junction and take the road towards Mankulam You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. A large boulder was dislodged during earth and rock removal works as part of the highway construction, disrupting traffic. Mudslides occurred during the removal of unstable rocks and trees, damaging the road’s retaining wall. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has informed the district administration that the work, including controlled rock blasting and removal, will require at least two weeks. Traffic will be restored only after the road is brought back to a safe condition and a technical committee certifies its safety. The NHAI project director has been directed to complete the work on a war footing. Barricades, warning boards and additional night-time safety measures will be put in place to protect workers and the public. The order has also directed the adoption of scientific bench cutting or slope-based cutting methods instead of vertical cutting to prevent similar accidents in the future. Download the TOI App.