Authorities have closed sections of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway following repeated mudslide incidents that have disrupted travel to Munnar [1].
The closure impacts one of the primary routes for tourists and residents in Kerala, creating significant logistical challenges for those traveling to the hill station. Because the region is prone to landslides during heavy rains, the instability of the highway poses a direct risk to commuters.
The current roadblock is scheduled to continue until Thursday, July 9, 2026 [1]. Officials said that the measure is necessary to prevent accidents in the affected zones.
"The road is unsafe and we are taking precautions to ensure the safety of travelers," a Kerala Police Official said.
Repair crews are currently working on the damaged sections of the highway. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expects the repair work to be completed by Friday, July 10, 2026 [1].
"Repair work is being expedited to restore normalcy as soon as possible," an NHAI spokesperson said.
Local government agencies are coordinating with police to manage traffic flow and provide alternative routes where possible. The Kerala Revenue Department is overseeing the monitoring of the slopes to determine if further slides are imminent, a critical step before reopening the road to the public.
"We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates on the reopening of the stretch," a Kerala Revenue Department Official said.
“"The road is unsafe and we are taking precautions to ensure the safety of travelers."”
The repeated nature of these mudslides highlights the vulnerability of Kerala's infrastructure to extreme weather and geological instability. Frequent closures of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi NH not only disrupt the local tourism economy in Munnar but also signal a need for more permanent engineering solutions to stabilize the highway's slopes.
