Kerala rains: Minor mudslips reported above Kuthiran tunnels on NH 544
Two minor mudslips were reported above the twin Kuthiran road tunnels on Highway 544 on Friday, prompting a joint inspection by the district administration, the
Two minor mudslips were reported above the twin Kuthiran road tunnels on Highway 544 on Friday, prompting a joint inspection by the district administration, the Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Forest Department. The mudslips occurred above the middle portion of the twin tunnels, near the entrance and exit portals, amid continuing monsoon rain. Officials said the slips were minor in nature and there was no immediate threat to traffic or the tunnel structure.
District Collector Shikha Surendran, MLA K. Rajan and senior NHAI officials visited the site to assess the situation after the incident was reported. Rajan said the debris had not reached the highway and was trapped between rock faces above the tunnels, ensuring that vehicular movement remained unaffected. “There is no traffic disruption at present as the displaced soil has not fallen onto the road. The debris is lodged between the rocks above the tunnels.
NHAI engineers will inspect the site, and assistance from the Forest Department will be sought to access the upper reaches of the slope,” he said. With rain continuing in the area, officials said a detailed inspection was necessary to rule out any further risk. District Collector Shikha Surendran said the NHAI and Forest Department would jointly examine the affected slope from the top to assess its stability. “Only after reaching the top of the slope can we determine whether there is any cause for concern.
The inspection will also ascertain whether water accumulation or seepage has occurred above the affected area,” she said. The Kuthiran twin tunnels are a vital link on the Kochi-Salem Highway and witness heavy traffic throughout the day. Authorities said precautionary monitoring would continue in view of the ongoing monsoon.
The BriefWire