The Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway, closed after a major crack and mudslide near the CSI church in Munnar, has resumed single‑lane traffic this evening. Prompt actions by district officials and the NHAI cleared the road and introduced safety measures to restore this vital tourist corridor.
The Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway, a critical artery linking the hill station of Munnar with the rest of Kerala, was shut on the evening of July 4 after a significant crack and mudslide occurred near the Munnar CSI church. The collapse of soil destabilised the carriageway, forcing authorities to halt all vehicular movement and causing hours of congestion for commuters and tourists alike.
Rapid response by district administration
District Collector Dinesan Cheruvat confirmed that an expert panel inspected the site on Thursday morning and cleared the way for single‑lane traffic to resume. Deputy Collector Binu Joseph added that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) completed soil removal and felled several trees on Wednesday evening to mitigate future landslides.
Guidelines for reopening the route
Vehicles approaching from the Adimaly direction are now instructed to use the left‑hand lane of the CSI‑church stretch to enter Munnar town. Traffic coming from Marayur and Mattupetty must divert onto the Devikulam small‑bridge route and cross the newly constructed bridge near the church before merging onto the highway. The District Police Chief has been tasked with 24‑hour monitoring to ensure smooth flow, while the National Highway project director must install barricades and proper warning signs along the stretch.
Ongoing monitoring and contingency plans
Authorities warned that any further soil movement or the issuance of orange/red alerts for the district will trigger an immediate suspension of traffic. The Munnar village officer will conduct daily inspections to track any widening of the crack near the church and report findings to the District Disaster Management Authority.
Tourism and economic implications
The highway closure had previously caused severe gridlock, disrupting tourism—a key revenue source for the region. Reopening the road alleviates congestion, restores confidence among travel operators, and revives local businesses that depend on the steady flow of visitors.
Overall, the swift coordination between district officials, the NHAI, and law enforcement has mitigated immediate economic losses, yet sustained geological monitoring remains essential to prevent recurrence of such disruptions.
